SP Energy Networks' new community benefit fund, launched in April, has already approved more than £1.6 million for local projects in central and southern Scotland, supporting areas hosting vital electricity transmission infrastructure.

Early beneficiaries include the RNLI, which has been awarded almost £10,000 to train seven crew members at Girvan Lifeboat Station in South Ayrshire. The investment coincides with upgrades to SP Energy Networks' nearby Mark Hill substation to bolster local network resilience, enhance reliability for homes and businesses, and accommodate rising levels of renewable generation.

Elaine Stewart, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock visited the RNLI station in Girvan last week. She 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.

-- Advertisement --

"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, a local volunteer, 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 Kris underlined how crucial donations are 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."

The UK Government issued guidance in March 2025 to ensure communities hosting new electricity transmission infrastructure can access meaningful, long-term funding shaped and directed locally.

SP Energy Networks set up the fund so the shift to a cleaner, greener energy system delivers real and lasting advantages for people across central and southern Scotland. Communities near new substations in Sanquhar, Mark Hill, Coalburn and Stranoch, and new overhead lines in Stranoch and Chirmorie, can apply for grants through local organisations, charities and social enterprises.

An independent panel oversees decisions to make sure awards reflect local priorities and provide enduring social, economic and environmental benefits. From skills and employability programmes to improvements in green spaces, the fund is designed to bring community-led ideas to life through grassroots support.