Shetland communities to receive over £335,000 through Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund

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  • Fund among first for communities near new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure  

  • Marks another step forward in the delivery of over £100m anticipated community benefit funding via major transmission projects   

Communities in Shetland are to receive over £335,000 through a new community benefit fund established for SSEN Transmission’s Shetland High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link project.  

The 260km subsea link between Shetland and the mainland north of Wick was energised last year, connecting the islands to the GB electricity grid for the first time.    

With a total value of £677,250, the Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund will be split equally between projects in Shetland and Caithness, with a total of £338,625 being delivered in each location over the next four years to fund priority projects that have been identified by community groups.  

In Shetland, the funding will be delivered through Win Furt, a charity covering the communities of Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale, where the HVDC cable makes landfall before connecting to the HVDC converter station at Upper Kergord.   

The charity will use the first instalment of funding for the construction of new foot and cycle paths in the area, following feedback from residents who identified these as a priority for local communities.   

The Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund is among SSEN Transmission’s first local funds for communities near to new and upgraded infrastructure, with more local funds expected to follow.  

In March, the UK government published new guidance for community benefit funding, which is expected to result in over £100m for communities in the north of Scotland.   

The funding comes as part of SSEN Transmission’s planned investment of at least £22bn in new high voltage onshore and offshore infrastructure supporting national energy security and clean energy ambitions, while creating huge economic opportunities in local communities.    

Gary Hughes, SSEN Transmission’s Economic Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to announce that communities in Shetland will receive £338,625 through our Shetland HVDC Link project, which is indicative of the scale of opportunity for communities located near proposed new and upgraded transmission infrastructure.   

“We are already seeing the positive impact of community benefit funding that comes alongside our work to upgrade the transmission network, with over £2.2m awarded to projects and initiatives in the north of Scotland so far, including nearly £1m in the Highlands and Islands.   

“The Shetland HVDC Link is a landmark development that has connected the islands to the mainland electricity grid for the first time, unlocking Shetland’s clean power potential and making a significant contribution to national clean energy and energy security ambitions.   

“This fund is another step towards securing its positive legacy, delivering tangible benefits in the communities hosting our infrastructure and improving the quality of life for local people.”   

Andrew Archer, Chair of Win Furt, commented: “Win Furt is delighted to be chosen by SSEN Transmission as the Shetland recipient for this fund. We know from the consultation work done by Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale Community Council and then by Win Furt, that safer walking and cycling are priorities for our local community and the money will help hugely to deliver this.

"Win Furt’s current projects are for a combined footpath and cycle path in Tingwall and for a footpath around Hellister Loch in Weisdale.  Design work at Tingwall started a few months ago and we keep getting asked what is happening with the project at Hellister – this funding allows us to start work on that project as well so it’s tremendous news.”