Lewis Hub Local Fund
Funding for community projects near North Lochs, Stornoway and Laxdale in Lewis
Status: In development 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.
Who the fund is for
The fund is for communities closest to our Lewis Hub Project site at Arnish Moor, including the Community Council areas of North Lochs, Stornoway and Laxdale.
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.
Designed in collaboration with communities
It’s important to us that this fund reflects what matters most to the people it will benefit.
Help shape this fund
We want this fund to be shaped by the local community who live and work near the Lewis Hub site. We are consulting on:
- 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 in-person and online sessions.
Drop in sessions (no need to register)
Monday 18 May, 3.30pm to 7pm, Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway
Tuesday 19 May, 3pm to 7pm, North Lochs Community Centre
There will be a short presentation at 4pm and 6pm on both days but feel free to drop in at any time. There will be tea, coffee and biscuits.
Online session
Monday 25 May, 2pm to 3.30pm
Register for the online session
Online survey
If you have any questions or accessibility requirements, please also 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.