Lewis Hub Local Fund
Funding for community projects near North Lochs, Stornoway and Laxdale on Lewis
Status: This fund will be developed in partnership with local communities
About the Lewis Hub Local Fund
We recognise that major infrastructure projects have a direct impact on the communities nearby. The Lewis Hub Project will connect the Western Isles to the GB Transmission network for the first time.
The Lewis Hub Local Fund will be developed in partnership with the communities closest to our Lewis Hub Project site at Arnish Moor, including those in the Community Council areas of North Lochs, Stornoway and Laxdale.
Funding will be available when the main construction begins, which is subject to planning approval.
Fund value
The current total lifetime value of the community benefit funding for the Lewis Hub is expected to be £1,060,000.
The fund value, which follows UK Government Guidance, is made up of community benefit funding associated with the following infrastructure:
- A High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Converter Station
- An Alternating Current (AC) Substation
In line with our fund delivery approach, where funds have a value of £1,100,000 or higher, 50% is allocated to the Regional Community Benefit Fund. Where funds have a value less than £1,100,000, communities can choose to keep this 50% in the Local Fund, which would keep the value for the Lewis Hub Local Fund at £1,060,000.
We will engage directly with local communities on Lewis to decide this as the fund is developed.
Shaped by local voices
It’s important to us that this fund reflects what matters most to the people it will benefit.
We will be launching our community engagement activity in May 2026. We would welcome thoughts and views of all community members who live and work throughout North Lochs, Stornoway and Laxdale and the surrounding area, particularly those who are situated close to the infrastructure. The aims of this community engagement activity will be to define:
- The area of benefit for the fund (i.e. where the funding should be available)
- The priorities for the fund (i.e. what is most important to your community and how the money should be best used)
- The structure of the fund (i.e. how many years the fund should be available and what level of funding should be available for community projects)
To gather your views, we will be hosting several in-person and online sessions and details of these will be available on this web site in advance of the consultation.
If you have any questions, please email us at community.benefit@sse.com
Our commitment to communities
The Lewis Hub Project is a long‑term investment in the Western Isle's energy future. Alongside this, we’re committed to working with communities to ensure the benefits are shared fairly and deliver real, meaningful outcomes.
Through this fund, we want to support projects that strengthen communities now and leave a positive legacy for the future.
Stay informed
We will keep this page updated as the fund develops, and you will be able to apply for funding here when applications open.
You can also follow us on social media, and sign up to our mailing list to receive key updates on this fund, and for other key funding updates.