Organisations across the north of Scotland are being invited to bid for SSEN Transmission's largest-ever package of community support, as a new Strategic Investment Fund has opened, making £10 million available over the next two years to back ambitious projects that tackle fuel poverty and strengthen skills and employability.

Applications are now open for the first £5 million round, with grants between £1 million and £5 million for larger-scale, multi-partner proposals focused on the priority areas. A further £5 million is expected to be released in 2027 to enable long-term projects and partnerships.

The Strategic Investment Fund complements SSEN Transmission's Regional Community Benefit Fund, whose third round opened last week with £2 million on offer. Together, the two funds will provide at least £12 million over the next two years.

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Alongside local funds for communities hosting new transmission infrastructure, the package forms part of an anticipated £100 million-plus programme of community benefits linked to SSEN Transmission’s £29 billion investment to upgrade the electricity network, supporting energy security, economic growth and lasting opportunities across the north of Scotland.

SSEN Transmission's Director of Customers and Stakeholders, Christianna Logan, said: "As we deliver our £29 billion investment programme, building the electricity network needed for the future, we’re also committed to creating long-term value for communities across the north of Scotland.

"The Strategic Investment Fund demonstrates our ambition to deliver community benefit funding that reflects the scale of investment taking place across the region, supporting larger projects that will accelerate meaningful, long-term benefits for local communities.

"Together with the established Regional Community Benefit Fund, at least £12 million will be made available over the next two years as part of an anticipated community benefit package of more than £100 million. That investment will support projects that help tackle fuel poverty, improve skills and employability, and create lasting opportunities for communities.

"By working with communities and partners, we can ensure the benefits of the energy transition are felt not only through greater energy security and economic growth, but also through a lasting legacy for generations to come."