Community leaders appointed to SSEN Transmission's new Argyll Local Investment Forum
30 July 2026
Six community representatives from across Argyll have been appointed to our new Argyll Local Investment Forum, which will oversee the distribution of what is currently a £3.2 million local fund supporting communities hosting major electricity transmission infrastructure.
Formerly known as the Argyll Local Fund panel, the newly established forum follows a thorough recruitment process launched earlier this year, attracting applications from individuals with a wide range of experience across community development, sustainability, business, tourism and the voluntary sector.
The six successful appointees will work alongside our Project Director for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Reinforcement Project, James McColl, to help guide investment decisions and ensure funding delivers lasting benefits for communities across Argyll.
The forum members are:
- Isla Mu-Lan McCulloch (Chair), Oban-based Democratic Finance Development Officer for the Development Trusts Association Scotland and Founder Trustee of Adventure Oban, a community-led charity dedicated to providing equal access to the outdoors.
- Michelle Banks, Assistant Manager at The Community Shop in Lochgilphead, with a background in community engagement and advice services.
- Brian Barker, Chair of Minard Community Trust and Director of Artmap Argyll and Argyll Homes for All. Until recently, Brian served as Specialist Advice and Technical Manager with Home Energy Scotland.
- Ciorsdan Fagan, Director of Dunoon Presents and Product Development Agent and Event Manager with Argyll & the Isles Tourism Cooperative.
- John Gurr, Trustee of Ardrishaig Community Trust, who has held senior commercial and supply chain roles within the retail sector.
- Malcolm McMillan, Senior Service Manager for Strategic Estates Development and Sustainability at NHS Highland, Volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officer, and former Business Development Manager for Machrihanish Airbase Community Company.
The £3.2 million fund, one of the first of its kind to be established under new UK Government community benefit guidance, has been created in connection with our Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Reinforcement Project, a major programme of network upgrades designed to strengthen the region's electricity infrastructure and support the transition to clean power
The fund will support projects across the ten community council areas closest to the reinforcement project and has been shaped by feedback gathered during public consultation events held across Argyll and Bute in 2025.
Applications for the first funding round are currently open and will close on 4 August 2026, with the newly appointed forum expected to meet for the first time this autumn to begin assessing applications.
Linsay Chalmers, Community Investment Manager for SSEN Transmission, said:
"We're thrilled to welcome such a strong and diverse group of people to the Argyll Local Investment Forum. The quality of applications we received demonstrated the passion and depth of knowledge that exists across Argyll in relation to supporting local communities and creating positive, long-term change.
"The forum brings together individuals with extensive experience across community development, sustainability, the voluntary sector, business and public services, providing a wealth of knowledge that will help ensure funding reaches projects capable of making a real difference.
"This fund has been shaped by local feedback from the beginning, and establishing the forum is an important step towards putting decision-making in the hands of people who understand the opportunities and challenges facing Argyll's communities."
James McColl, SSEN Transmission Project Director for Argyll, said:
"We're pleased to welcome such a knowledgeable and experienced group of people to the Argyll Local Investment Forum. The strength of applications we received reflects the commitment that exists across Argyll to supporting local communities and helping shape the region's future.
“As both a member of the forum and Project Director for our Argyll projects, I'm looking forward to working alongside the forum to ensure this funding helps deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for the communities hosting this nationally important infrastructure. Local knowledge will be at the heart of decision-making, and the forum will play a vital role in ensuring investment supports the priorities that matter most to people across Argyll."