Events
SSEN Transmission launches landmark Strategic Investment Fund
9 September 2026 • Sarah Medcraf
SSEN Transmission launches landmark Strategic Investment Fund in £12m community funding commitment
- New strategic fund for large-scale projects to support skills and employability and alleviate fuel poverty
- At least £12m to be delivered to communities over the next two years through overall funding package
- Third round of Regional Community Benefit Fund opens today
SSEN are launching a new fund to support large-scale strategic projects that will boost skills and employability and help tackle fuel poverty across the north of Scotland.
The new Strategic Investment Fund will invest up to £10m over the next two years and forms part of our existing Regional Community Benefit Fund, which has already delivered £4m to communities in the region.
Together, the Strategic Investment Fund and the Regional Community Benefit Fund will provide at least £12m over the next two years, representing the largest community funding package ever delivered by the electricity transmission network operator.
Regional Community Benefit Fund opens for third round of applications
From today, organisations can apply for support through the third round of the Regional Community Benefit Fund.
Applications are welcomed from suitable initiatives across our operating area, spanning communities in Argyll and Tayside, the North East, the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.
A total of £2m is available through this funding round, with organisations able to apply for grants of between £40,000 and £500,000 between now and 24 November for projects that deliver against one or more of three core themes:
- Skills and employability: Support employment, apprenticeships and skills development.
- Heritage and culture: Celebrate shared heritage and strengthen community identity through arts, language and music.
- Alleviating fuel poverty: Improve home energy efficiency and support those most at risk of fuel poverty.
Image: Successful recipients of awards from SSEN Transmission's Regional Community Benefit Fund, which has distributed more than £4 million to projects across the north of Scotland.
Awards are expected to be made in spring 2027. Further information about the third round of the Regional Community Benefit Fund and the Strategic Investment Fund is available below:
Peter Peacock, Independent Chair of the Regional Community Benefit Fund, said:
"The launch of the Strategic Investment Fund marks a significant step forward in community benefit funding across the north of Scotland.
"By making up to £10 million available over the next two years, the fund creates an opportunity to support ambitious, collaborative projects that can deliver lasting benefits at a scale not previously possible through our funding programmes.
"Whether it's helping people develop new skills, improving access to employment opportunities, or supporting initiatives that tackle fuel poverty, we're looking for projects that can make a meaningful difference to communities across the region.
"The Strategic Investment Fund builds on the strong foundations established by the Regional Community Benefit Fund. Together, the two funds represent at least £12 million of investment over the next two years, creating an unprecedented opportunity for organisations to deliver positive, long-term change."