Skye Reinforcement Local Fund
Funding for communities along the Skye Reinforcement project route
Fund Status: This fund will open for applications on 4 November 2026, and close on 10 February 2027
About the Skye Reinforcement Local Fund
The Skye Reinforcement Project will replace the existing overhead line between Fort Augustus and Skye. As part of the project, substations at Edinbane and Broadford will be extended and upgrade work on the substation at Fort Augustus will also be carried out.
We recognise that major infrastructure projects have a direct impact on the communities they pass through. The Skye Reinforcement Local Fund is designed to ensure communities share in the benefits of this investment.
This fund will support local projects benefitting communities along the Skye Reinforcement Project route, helping to deliver positive, lasting outcomes shaped by local priorities.
This fund will open for applications on 4 November 2026 and will close on 10 February 2027.
Online information sessions will be held at the following times. These will provide an opportunity for community groups or organisations who are considering applying to the SSEN Transmission Skye Reinforcement Local Fund to find out more before they apply:
- Wednesday 11 November 2-3pm, Register here
- Wednesday 2 December 7-8pm, Register here
Who the fund is for
The local fund is aimed specifically at communities close to the project route, including:
- Skye & Raasay
- Glenelg & Arnisdale
- Glengarry
- Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston
Fund value
The current total lifetime value of this local fund is £5.46 million.
The fund value is calculated in line with UK Government Guidance, and is made up of community benefit funding associated with the infrastructure of the following projects:
- Broadford to Edinbane Overhead Line
- Invergarry to Quoich Switching Station Overhead Line
- Edinbane Substation extension
- Broadford Substation extension
- Fort Augustus Substation upgrade
In addition to this local fund, communities can also apply to our Regional Funds, which support larger scale, strategic community projects across the north of Scotland.
Learn more about our approach to funding
Designed in collaboration with communities
The consultation for the Skye Reinforcement Local Fund took place in March and April 2026. The views gathered during the consultation were reviewed and analysed to create a fund proposal and feedback was invited from stakeholders for a period of 6 weeks.
The fund details have now been finalised and the guidance for applicants is published below to enable communities to prepare in advance of the fund opening.
The fund will open on Wednesday 4 November and closes for applications on Wednesday 10 February 2026 and awards are expected to be made in April 2027.
Skye Reinforcement Local Fund Guidance
Join our Local Investment Forum - West and Mid Highland
We have opened recruitment for members of our new West and Mid Highland Local Investment Forum, which will be responsible for assessing and deciding on applications to our community benefit funds across the region.
The forum's initial focus will be the Skye Reinforcement Local Fund, which is expected to launch in autumn 2026 and will invest £5.46 million into local communities over a minimum three-year period.
Closing date: 27 October 2026
Our commitment to communities
The Skye Reinforcement project is a long‑term investment in the region’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 the Skye Reinforcement Local 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 the Skye Reinforcement Local Fund, and for other key funding updates.
