Western Isles communities invited to help shape £5 million-plus investment

6 October 2026

  • Local people sought for Local Investment Forum to help decide how community funding is invested
  • £1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund due to launch in November

SSEN Transmission is inviting people across the Western Isles to play their part in deciding how an expected £5 million-plus of community benefit funding is invested to deliver maximum benefit for local communities.

Applications are being sought for a new Local Investment Forum, which will assess and decide on applications for SSEN Transmission community benefit funding associated with new and proposed transmission infrastructure in the Western Isles.

The forum will put local people at the heart of the decision process, drawing on their knowledge and experience to help ensure investment responds to local priorities and delivers meaningful, lasting benefits.

It complements SSEN Transmission’s wider efforts to deliver a positive legacy in the Western Isles through its projects, working with communities to deliver mutually beneficial solutions through investment in accommodation and infrastructure, along with skills development and opportunities for local businesses.

£1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund to launch in November

The forum’s initial focus will be the Lewis Hub Local Fund, which will launch in November and invest £1.06 million over five years in communities closest to the new infrastructure, specifically within the community council areas of North Lochs, Stornoway, Laxdale and Sandwick.

The fund has been shaped through extensive engagement with local communities, with feedback helping to determine how it will operate and the priorities it will support.

Funding will be available for projects that create meaningful local impact, build a long-term legacy and address at least one of four priorities:

  • Health and wellbeing, including tackling social isolation and supporting intergenerational projects
  • Accessible and affordable activities for children and young people, including activities, equipment and travel
  • Community-led facilities and amenities, including community centres and leisure, gym and sports facilities
  • Building the capacity of community organisations, including investment in skills development and people

Altogether, SSEN Transmission aims to provide more than £5 million through local community benefit funds linked to new and proposed infrastructure in the Western Isles, in addition to funding that is already being delivered through its Regional Fund (see further details below).

The Lewis Hub Local Fund marks the first phase of this investment, with further funding expected to become available as other eligible projects move into main construction, subject to securing the necessary planning consent.

Linsay Chalmers, Community Investment Manager for SSEN Transmission, said:

“We’re delighted to begin recruiting members of our new Local Investment Forum, giving local people a direct say in how an anticipated £5 million-plus of community funding is invested across the Western Isles.

“The forum will initially make decisions on our £1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund, launching in November, before helping deliver future community funds associated with our new and proposed transmission infrastructure.

“We want people who know their communities, have experience in the voluntary or community sector and understand local priorities to play a central role in delivering these funds, helping ensure they make the greatest possible difference. No previous funding panel experience is required, and members will receive full induction and ongoing support.

“Building on the funding already delivered through the SSEN Transmission Regional Fund, this is another important step in creating a lasting positive legacy from our investment in the Western Isles. We’d encourage anyone who wants to play their part to apply.”

How to apply

Applications are open to people across the Western Isles, with applications particularly welcomed from those with knowledge of the east of Lewis, where much of the new transmission infrastructure expected during the forum’s five-year term is likely to be located.

No previous funding panel experience is required. Applicants should bring local knowledge and relevant community or voluntary sector experience, or knowledge of the fund’s priority themes. Members will receive a full induction and ongoing support.

Members will serve for five years and receive a fee of £1,000 per year. The closing date for applications is November 15. Anyone interested in becoming a forum member should apply here. If you have any queries about becoming a forum member, email Linsay Chalmers, Community Investment Manager at community.benefit@sse.com.  

Due to UK Government guidance, community councillors, local authority staff members or elected members cannot be members of the forum. Anyone in these categories cannot apply, even if planning to stand down upon selection for the forum.

Regional Fund and Strategic Investment Fund remain open for applications

Organisations across the Western Isles still have time to apply for a share of £2m available through the third round of the SSEN Transmission Regional Fund, which is available for projects across the company’s network operating area in the north of Scotland.

Grants of between £40,000 and £500,000 are available for projects supporting skills and employability, heritage and culture, and efforts to alleviate fuel poverty, with applications open until 24 November.

The fund has already delivered substantial funding in the Western Isles, including £393,883 for Tighean Innse Gall to help reduce fuel poverty and £340,895 for Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh to transform the historic former Eriskay school into a sustainable heritage centre and community hub.

Applications are also open for the first £5m round of the new Strategic Investment Fund, offering grants of between £1m and £5m for larger-scale, multi-partner projects focused on tackling fuel poverty and improving skills and employability. Expressions of interest are open until the 15 October. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application by 10 December.