SSEN Transmission has announced a £5.46m Skye Reinforcement Local Fund for communities along the Fort Augustus–Skye route, inviting applications for projects that deliver local benefits. The fund opens for applications on Wednesday 4 November, with up to £1.8m available in the first year and awards of up to £100,000 per application. The current round closes on 10 February 2027.

The Skye Reinforcement Project will replace the existing overhead electricity line, bolstering network resilience and security of supply. It is part of SSEN Transmission's £29bn programme to upgrade the transmission network, enabling more renewable power to flow and supporting Scotland and the UK's clean energy and security objectives. As part of the works, substations at Edinbane and Broadford will be extended, with upgrade activity also planned at Fort Augustus Substation.

The fund aims to ensure host communities share in the benefits of this investment by backing initiatives that create positive, long-lasting outcomes shaped by local priorities.

Eligible community council areas include:

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- Skye and Raasay

- Glenelg and Arnisdale

- Glengarry

- Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston

Applications from organisations based outside these areas will also be considered if they can demonstrate significant benefits for people living within the fund's area of benefit.

Following extensive local engagement, five priority themes have been identified:

- Affordable and diverse housing options, including a range of tenure models such as woodland crofts and rent-to-buy schemes

- Community assets and infrastructure, including acquiring or improving facilities like village halls

- Community capacity building, including support for core costs to strengthen long-term sustainability, income generation and operational capacity

- Local amenities and services, including community shops, men's sheds, tool libraries and sports and recreational activities

- Transport and connectivity, including community transport, active travel paths and infrastructure that improves accessibility

Projects involving or supporting young people, and those that support or involve Gaelic, are particularly encouraged. Full guidance and details of online information sessions are available on the Skye Reinforcement Local Fund webpage.

Dr Joanna Rodgers, SSEN Transmission's Community Fund Manager, said: "We are delighted to launch the Skye Reinforcement Local Fund and would like to thank all the organisations and residents who shared their views to help shape the new fund.

"The Skye Reinforcement Project represents a significant investment in the local electricity transmission network, and it's important that the communities hosting this infrastructure share in the benefits.

"We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with communities across the area to ensure that this fund delivers meaningful, long-term benefits. We would encourage anyone with an interest in applying to attend the online information sessions and get in touch with any questions.

"We're looking forward to seeing applications come forward and supporting projects that can deliver positive, lasting benefits for communities across the area."