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SSEN Transmission is inviting residents, community groups and local organisations to help design the new North Aberdeenshire Local Fund, guiding how up to £8.845 million is directed into areas closest to planned electricity transmission projects.
The fund is tied to new transmission infrastructure across North Aberdeenshire and is intended to support the communities nearest to the works. It will be SSEN Transmission's largest local community benefit fund to date for places hosting new clean energy infrastructure. The company's Local Funds sit within a wider programme expected to deliver more than £100 million to communities across the north of Scotland.
A consultation process starting on Wednesday 28 October will seek views on the types of projects and activities that should be eligible; local priorities and investment themes; how funding should be distributed; the amount to be available each year; and how long the fund should operate.
Events will be held across North Aberdeenshire to share information, answer questions and collect feedback. The programme is as follows:
Wednesday 28 October — Baden-Powell Centre, Turriff. Exploring Social Value for Greens Substation event, including a presentation and Q&A on the North Aberdeenshire Local Fund. Sessions will take place from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. Attendees can register by emailing [email protected].
Thursday 29 October — The Hub, Peterhead. Drop-in session, presentation and Q&A from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
Friday 30 October — Cuminestown Village Hall. Drop-in session, presentation and Q&A from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
Monday 2 November — Cairnie Memorial Hall. Drop-in session, presentation and Q&A from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
Tuesday 3 November — Maud Resource Centre. Drop-in engagement session from 10.30am to 4pm.
Wednesday 4 November — New Deer Public Hall. Drop-in session, presentation and Q&A from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
Thursday 5 November — MACBI, Mintlaw. Drop-in engagement session from 10.30am to 4pm.
Saturday 7 November — Huntly Farmers Market. Information and engagement stall from 10am to 1pm.
Wednesday 11 and Monday 16 November — Online consultation events from 7pm to 8pm. Registration details are available on the fund webpage.
Thursday 19 November — Boddam (venue to be confirmed). Drop-in session, presentation and Q&A from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.
Friday 20 November — Longside Parish Church Hall. Drop-in session, presentation and Q&A from 3:30pm to 7.30pm.
Alongside the in-person sessions, an online survey on the North Aberdeenshire Local Fund webpage will run from 26 October until 27 November 2026, with paper copies available at events.
Alice Masson, Community Investment Manager at SSEN Transmission, said: "The North Aberdeenshire Local Fund represents a significant opportunity to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for communities located closest to our infrastructure.
"Local people understand their communities' needs and ambitions better than anyone, which is why we want them to help shape the fund from the very beginning. These events are an opportunity to tell us what the fund should support, how it should operate and how this investment can make the greatest possible difference.
"Whether you have an idea for your community, represent a local organisation or simply want to have your say, we would encourage you to come along, ask questions and help us design a fund that reflects local priorities."
Feedback collected through the consultation will inform how the fund is structured and run. Further details, including how to register for the online events, are available on the North Aberdeenshire Local Fund webpage.
