£1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund launches to support Western Isles communities

12 November 2026

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SSEN Transmission has launched a new £1.06 million community benefit fund to support communities closest to its Lewis Hub development.

The first round of the fund is now open with an initial £212,000 available for communities within the North Lochs, Stornoway, Laxdale and Sandwick Community Council areas.

Over the next five years, the Lewis Hub Local Fund will invest £1.06 million in projects that deliver lasting benefits for local communities.

The fund has been shaped through extensive engagement with local people, with their 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 and a long-term legacy, while addressing 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

Callum Wardrop, Project Director for the Lewis Hub, said:

“The Lewis Hub is a major investment in the Western Isles, and at last week’s groundbreaking event marking the start of main construction, we reaffirmed our commitment to delivering meaningful and lasting benefits for communities closest to the development.

“Local people have played an important role in shaping this fund, helping us understand where investment can make the biggest difference. As a result, four key priority areas have been identified that reflect what matters most to local communities.

“We look forward to seeing the ideas that come forward and supporting projects that strengthen local communities and leave a positive legacy for years to come. If you have an idea that could make a difference in your community, we’d encourage you to get in touch with us.”

The Lewis Hub Local Fund forms part of SSEN Transmission’s wider community benefit programme in the Western Isles. Altogether, the company’s new and proposed transmission infrastructure projects across the islands are expected to generate more than £5 million for local community benefit funds.

A new Western Isles Local Investment Forum will assess and decide on applications to the Lewis Hub Local Fund, as well as other community benefit funds associated with these projects.

Western Isles communities have also already benefited from £1.3 million awarded through SSEN Transmission’s Regional Fund to projects delivering benefits in the islands.

The Regional Fund supports ambitious projects benefiting multiple communities across the company’s network area in the north of Scotland, including the Western Isles. In addition to this, a new Strategic Investment Fund focuses on large-scale, multi-partner projects tackling fuel poverty and improving skills and employability. 

Further funding rounds will be announced as they open, with communities encouraged to sign up for updates through the SSEN Transmission website.

For more information, and to apply to the Lewis Hub Local Fund, visit Lewis Hub Local Fund - SSEN Transmission