SSEN Transmission has called on people across the Western Isles to help decide how an expected £5 million-plus in community benefit funding is allocated, by joining a newly formed Local Investment Forum linked to new and proposed transmission infrastructure.

The forum will place local knowledge at the centre of funding decisions, ensuring investments reflect community priorities and deliver long-lasting benefits. It also supports SSEN Transmission's broader commitment to leave a positive legacy in the Western Isles through accommodation and infrastructure investment, skills programmes and opportunities for local businesses.

£1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund to open in November

The forum's first task will be to oversee the Lewis Hub Local Fund, which will invest £1.06 million over five years in communities nearest to new infrastructure. The fund will be open to projects within the North Lochs, Stornoway, Laxdale and Sandwick community council areas and has been shaped by extensive local engagement.

Projects will be expected to create meaningful impact, build a lasting legacy and meet at least one of these priorities:

- Health and wellbeing, including tackling social isolation and supporting intergenerational projects

- Accessible and affordable activities for children and young people, including activities, equipment and travel

- Community-led facilities and amenities, including community centres and leisure, gym and sports facilities

- Building the capacity of community organisations, including investment in skills development and people

In total, SSEN Transmission aims to make available more than £5 million through local community benefit funds associated with new and proposed Western Isles infrastructure, on top of existing support delivered via its Regional Fund. The Lewis Hub Local Fund is the first phase, with further funding expected as eligible projects enter main construction, subject to planning consent.

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Linsay Chalmers, Community Investment Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: "We're delighted to begin recruiting members of our new Local Investment Forum, giving local people a direct say in how an anticipated £5 million-plus of community funding is invested across the Western Isles.

"The forum will initially make decisions on our £1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund, launching in November, before helping deliver future community funds associated with our new and proposed transmission infrastructure.

"We want people who know their communities, have experience in the voluntary or community sector and understand local priorities to play a central role in delivering these funds, helping ensure they make the greatest possible difference. No previous funding panel experience is required, and members will receive full induction and ongoing support.

"Building on the funding already delivered through the SSEN Transmission Regional Fund, this is another important step in creating a lasting positive legacy from our investment in the Western Isles. We'd encourage anyone who wants to play their part to apply."

How to apply

Applications are open to people across the Western Isles, with particular interest in those with strong knowledge of the east of Lewis, where much of the anticipated infrastructure during the forum's five-year term is likely to be located. No prior panel experience is required; members will receive a full induction and ongoing support.

Forum members will serve for five years and receive £1,000 per year. The deadline for applications is 15 November. Apply via the SSEN careers site: https://careers.sse.com/jobs/local-investment-forum-member-western-isles-stornoway-western-isles-scottish-islands-united-kingdom. For queries, email [email protected].

Under UK Government guidance, community councillors, local authority employees and elected members are not eligible to join the forum, and cannot apply even if intending to step down if selected.

Other funding opportunities

Applications remain open for the third round of SSEN Transmission's Regional Fund, with £2 million available to projects across the company's north of Scotland network. Grants from £40,000 to £500,000 support skills and employability, heritage and culture, and initiatives to alleviate fuel poverty. The deadline is 24 November. Previous Western Isles awards include £393,883 to Tighean Innse Gall to reduce fuel poverty and £340,895 to Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh to transform the former Eriskay school into a sustainable heritage centre and community hub.

In addition, the first £5 million round of the new Strategic Investment Fund is open for expressions of interest until 15 October, offering grants of £1 million to £5 million for larger, multi-partner projects focused on tackling fuel poverty and improving skills and employability. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications by 10 December.