SSEN Transmission is set to open a public consultation to co-design the fund, which is expected to provide £785,000 in community benefit. Developed in partnership with local communities, the fund aims to reflect local priorities and deliver long-term improvements for the area.

Running from Monday 26 October to Friday 20 November, the consultation will give residents, community groups and local stakeholders the chance to influence how the fund is structured and delivered.

Feedback is being sought on three core themes:

- The area of benefit and where support should be available.

- The fund's priorities and the types of projects it should back.

- How the fund should be set up, including distribution arrangements and the timeframe for awards.

-- Advertisement --

A programme of in-person and online events will support the consultation, providing opportunities to learn more, ask questions and share views:

- Wednesday 28 October: 9.30am to 12.30pm, Farr Community Hall, Strathnairn

- Wednesday 4 November: 3.30pm to 7pm, Strathnairn Hall, Daviot West

- Thursday 5 November: 3.30pm to 7pm, Farr Community Hall, Strathnairn

- Monday 9 November: 7pm to 8pm, via Microsoft Teams

Those unable to attend can request a briefing document and consultation survey by emailing [email protected].

Ryan Bell, Community Investment Manager at SSEN Transmission, said: "This fund is intended to deliver lasting benefits for communities in Strathnairn, so it's important that local people help shape how it works from the outset. Through this consultation we're asking residents, community groups and local stakeholders what matters most to them, what priorities the fund should support and how it can be structured to create the greatest possible benefit for the area. We would encourage anyone who lives or works locally to get involved and help shape a fund that reflects the community's needs and ambitions."

Insights gathered will inform a draft fund proposal to be shared with community representatives for further feedback before it is finalised. Full details of the fund are due to be published later in the year.

Further information, including how to take part and sign up for updates, is available on the Aberarder Local Fund webpage.