SSEN Transmission launches consultation to shape £530,000 Bingally Local Fund for Strathglass

14 September 2026

In-person consultation events planned in Cannich on 22 and 29 September

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We are launching a new consultation inviting people across Strathglass to help shape a commnity benefit fund worth an expected £530,000, linked to the development of the Bingally 400kV Substation.

The Bingally Local Fund will support communities closest to the proposed substation, located southwest of Cannich, which is required as part of the upgrade of the second circuit of the Beauly to Denny overhead power line from 275kV to 400kV.  The project received consent to build from the Highland Council’s South Planning Applications Committee in February this year. 

Developed in partnership with local communities, the fund will ensure those living nearest to the infrastructure can share in the benefits of this nationally important electricity network investment. Funding will become available when main construction of the substation begins.

The current lifetime value of the fund is expected to be £530,000, in line with UK Government guidance on community benefit funding for electricity transmission infrastructure.

As part of the fund's development, we are inviting residents, community groups and stakeholders from across Strathglass and the surrounding area to help determine how the fund should operate, including who can access it, what local priorities it should support, and how funding should be distributed.

The consultation will help define:

  • The area of benefit for the fund and where funding should be available
  • Community priorities and how funding can deliver the greatest local impact
  • The structure of the fund, including how long it should run and the level of support available for community projects

Ryan Bell, Community Investment Manager at SSEN Transmission, said:

"We're committed to ensuring that communities closest to our infrastructure projects share in the benefits they help make possible. The Bingally Local Fund represents a significant investment in the future of Strathglass, and we want local people to play a leading role in shaping how this funding can best support their communities.

"Whether that's helping improve local facilities, supporting community initiatives, investing in resilience or creating opportunities for future generations, it's important that the fund reflects local priorities. We would encourage anyone who lives or works in Strathglass to get involved and share their views."

To support the consultation process, we will host two drop in events in Cannich Hall on Tuesday 22 September and Tuesday 29 September, 3.30pm-7.30pm.   Members of the public are encouraged to come along, meet the project team and ask any questions they may have about the fund.

An online session will also be held on Thursday 1 October from 7pm – 8pm for anyone unable to attend the in person meetings. To sign up, visit the Bingally Local Fund page on SSEN Transmission’s website. 

In addition, a community survey will be available between 21 September and 30 October, with all feedback gathered helping to shape a draft fund proposal. The proposal will then be reviewed with key community representatives before final details are published later in the year.

The Bingally Local Fund forms part of our wider commitment to ensuring communities benefit from the major investment taking place across the north of Scotland's electricity network, helping deliver infrastructure needed to support energy security and the transition to a cleaner energy system.

The news follows the launch of our new Strategic Investment Fund and the third round of our Regional Community Benefit Fund announced earlier this month, committing at least £12 million to communities over the next two years. This represents the largest community funding package ever delivered by the electricity transmission network operator.

We work with communities to develop community benefit funds that deliver meaningful and lasting local outcomes, supporting projects and initiatives that leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Visit the Bingally Local Fund page for more information, to register for updates, or to take part in the consultation.

Our community benefit team can also be contacted at community.benefit@sse.com.