SP Energy Networks' new transmission community benefit fund, set up for communities hosting critical electricity infrastructure amid the largest grid upgrade in decades, is open to groups across central and southern Scotland. Since launching in April, it has already approved more than £1.6 million for communities in South Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire, the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

Among the first recipients is the RNLI at Girvan Lifeboat Station in South Ayrshire, which is receiving £9,800 to train seven volunteer crew members. The investment coincides with upgrades at the nearby Mark Hill substation to reinforce the local network, improve reliability for homes and businesses, and accommodate increasing volumes of renewable energy connecting to the grid.

During a visit to the station, Elaine Stewart, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, said: "Community benefit funding can make a real difference in my constituency of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. As an area with significant renewable energy presence, it is important that the community can see tangible benefits from the infrastructure and investment taking place around them.

"Supporting the third sector organisations who make a lasting impact on people's lives is so important, and during my visit to the RNLI in Girvan, I saw first-hand the work the fantastic volunteers do. They work so hard to keep people safe along our coastline, particularly during the busy summer months. This ScottishPower fund will pay towards seven volunteer lifeboat crew members, ensuring the RNLI's vital service can continue to protect residents and visitors alike.

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"I am pleased to see the Community Benefit Fund delivering meaningful investment for South Ayrshire and helping organisations like the RNLI keep up their invaluable work."

Joiner Kris Gordon, who also volunteers with the local crew, said: "Girvan is a brilliant community. We have a fantastic fishing fleet and a lot of pleasure boats operating out of the harbour.

"I like to be able to say that when something goes wrong, we will be there to assist. We give people peace of mind that their loved ones will be safe going to sea and that gives me great pride."

The fund will help train the next generation of volunteers, and Gordon underlined how vital ongoing support is to the RNLI. He added: "If we didn't get funding, we couldn't do what we do. The funding pays for everything from the station that we're based in and the gear we wear, to the fuel that goes into the boat.

"The money being given today will go towards training and enable the next tier of volunteers to come through; which keeps the boat on service and keeps us being able to provide that emergency response that is so important."

Alison Byers, RNLI, Regional Engagement Lead said: "The support from SP Energy Networks means our RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew here in Girvan can develop the skills they need to save lives at sea. This very generous donation of £9,800 will train up to seven crew on essential lifesaving skills, such as boat handling, sea survival and casualty care."

Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "Awarding £1.6 million in just four months shows the scale of benefit that can come from these vital transmission network upgrades.

"Our community benefit fund demonstrates how empowered groups, served by SP Energy Networks in central and southern Scotland can maximise the opportunities created by an upgraded transmission network."

UK Government guidance published in March 2025 set out how communities hosting new electricity transmission infrastructure can secure meaningful, long-term community benefit funding that is shaped locally.

SP Energy Networks established its fund to ensure the transition to a cleaner, greener energy system delivers tangible, lasting benefits for people across central and southern Scotland. New substations in Sanquhar, Mark Hill, Coalburn and Stranoch, along with new overhead lines in Stranoch and Chirmorie, will enable local community organisations, charities and social enterprises to apply for grants to bring their plans to life.

Allocation of funding is overseen by an independent decision-making panel and process, ensuring investment reflects local priorities and delivers sustained social, economic and environmental benefits.

From supporting skills development and employability to enhancing green spaces, the fund aims to back community-led projects through grassroots and local grants.

Residents in eligible areas can share ideas by emailing [email protected], calling 0203 872 5895 or visiting the SP Energy Networks website.