Six community representatives from across Argyll have been appointed to SSEN Transmission's new Argyll Local Investment Forum, which will oversee the distribution of what is currently a £3.2 million local fund for communities hosting nationally significant grid projects.

Replacing the former Argyll Local Fund panel, the forum follows a recruitment campaign launched earlier this year that drew applicants with experience spanning community development, sustainability, business, tourism and the voluntary sector.

The appointees will work alongside James McColl, Project Director for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Reinforcement Project, to help steer investment decisions and ensure funding delivers long-term benefits across the region.

The forum members are: Chair Isla Mu-Lan McCulloch, an Oban-based Democratic Finance Development Officer for the Development Trusts Association Scotland and Founder Trustee of Adventure Oban; Michelle Banks, Assistant Manager at The Community Shop in Lochgilphead with a background in community engagement and advice; Brian Barker, Chair of Minard Community Trust and Director of Artmap Argyll and Argyll Homes for All, and until recently Specialist Advice and Technical Manager with Home Energy Scotland; Ciorsdan Fagan, Director of Dunoon Presents and Product Development Agent and Event Manager with Argyll & the Isles Tourism Cooperative; John Gurr, Trustee of Ardrishaig Community Trust with senior commercial and supply chain experience in retail; and Malcolm McMillan, Senior Service Manager for Strategic Estates Development and Sustainability at NHS Highland, Volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officer, and former Business Development Manager for Machrihanish Airbase Community Company.

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One of the first funds of its type established under new UK Government community benefit guidance, the £3.2m pot is linked to SSEN Transmission's Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Reinforcement Project, a major programme of upgrades to strengthen electricity infrastructure and support the transition to clean power.

Projects in the ten community council areas closest to the reinforcement scheme will be eligible, with the fund shaped by feedback gathered at public consultation events held across Argyll and Bute in 2025.

Applications for the first round are open until 4 August 2026. The newly appointed forum is expected to meet in the autumn to begin assessing bids.

Linsay Chalmers, Community Investment Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: "We're thrilled to welcome such a strong and diverse group of people to the Argyll Local Investment Forum. The quality of applications we received demonstrated the passion and depth of knowledge that exists across Argyll in relation to supporting local communities and creating positive, long-term change.

"The forum brings together individuals with extensive experience across community development, sustainability, the voluntary sector, business and public services, providing a wealth of knowledge that will help ensure funding reaches projects capable of making a real difference.

"This fund has been shaped by local feedback from the beginning, and establishing the forum is an important step towards putting decision-making in the hands of people who understand the opportunities and challenges facing Argyll's communities."

James McColl, SSEN Transmission Project Director for Argyll, said: "We're pleased to welcome such a knowledgeable and experienced group of people to the Argyll Local Investment Forum. The strength of applications we received reflects the commitment that exists across Argyll to supporting local communities and helping shape the region's future.

"As both a member of the forum and Project Director for our Argyll projects, I'm looking forward to working alongside the forum to ensure this funding helps deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for the communities hosting this nationally important infrastructure. Local knowledge will be at the heart of decision-making, and the forum will play a vital role in ensuring investment supports the priorities that matter most to people across Argyll."