SSEN Transmission has launched a public consultation inviting people across Strathglass to help shape a community benefit fund expected to total £530,000, linked to the proposed Bingally 400kV Substation.

The Bingally Local Fund will support communities nearest to the planned substation site, south-west of Cannich. The substation is required to facilitate the upgrade of the Beauly–Denny overhead line's second circuit from 275kV to 400kV. The project received consent to build from the Highland Council's South Planning Applications Committee in February this year.

Developed with local input, the fund is intended to ensure those living closest to the infrastructure share in the benefits of this nationally significant electricity network investment. Funding will become available once main construction of the substation begins.

The fund's current lifetime value is anticipated to be £530,000, in line with UK Government guidance on community benefit for electricity transmission projects.

Residents, community groups and stakeholders from Strathglass and nearby areas are being asked to help set how the fund should operate, including eligibility, local priorities and how money is allocated.

The consultation will help define:

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- The area of benefit and where funding should be available

- Community priorities to deliver the greatest local impact

- The fund's structure, including duration and the level of support available for projects

Ryan Bell, Community Investment Manager at SSEN Transmission, said: "We're committed to ensuring that communities closest to our infrastructure projects share in the benefits they help make possible. The Bingally Local Fund represents a significant investment in the future of Strathglass, and we want local people to play a leading role in shaping how this funding can best support their communities.

"Whether that's helping improve local facilities, supporting community initiatives, investing in resilience or creating opportunities for future generations, it's important that the fund reflects local priorities. We would encourage anyone who lives or works in Strathglass to get involved and share their views."

To support the process, two in-person drop-in events will be held at Cannich Hall on Tuesday 22 September and Tuesday 29 September, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm. Members of the public can meet the project team and ask questions about the fund.

An online session will take place on Thursday 1 October from 7pm – 8pm for those unable to attend in person. Sign-up details are available on the Bingally Local Fund page on SSEN Transmission's website.

A community survey will run from 21 September to 30 October. Feedback will inform a draft fund proposal, which will be reviewed with key community representatives before final details are confirmed later in the year.

The Bingally Local Fund is part of SSEN Transmission's broader commitment to ensure communities benefit from major investment across the north of Scotland's electricity network, supporting energy security and the transition to a cleaner energy system.

The announcement follows the launch earlier this month of the company's new Strategic Investment Fund and the third round of its Regional Community Benefit Fund, committing at least £12 million to communities over the next two years. This represents the largest community funding package ever delivered by the electricity transmission network operator.

For more information, to register for updates or to take part in the consultation, visit the Bingally Local Fund page on SSEN Transmission's website. The community benefit team can also be contacted at [email protected].