The Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust provides funding support for customers looking to connect to our network across the north of Scotland.

The Trust is looking to support up to 75% of the cost of connections for successful community projects, and up to 50% of the cost for individuals applying for a new domestic connection. And as a charity, the Trust is required to means-test applications for domestic connections.  

The current round of applications closes on 14 May, and future applications will be considered by Trustees on a quarterly basis.

David Telford, Trust Chairman, said:

“The Trust was initially set up to help those facing challenges connecting to what was then known as the Scottish Hydro Electric network - particularly in some of our more rural mainland and island communities - and we’re delighted to continue providing this vital support, both to individuals and to community groups across the north of Scotland nearly 30 years later.

“Over the last five years we’ve awarded over £564,000 of grants in support of the cost of new connections to the electricity network throughout SSEN’s licence area. From Arran, Argyll and Bute, across Perthshire, Dundee and Angus, to the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and all points in between, £154,500 of this total has been awarded to community projects providing significant benefit in their local area.”

Fort William Marina & Shoreline Community Interest Company has received a grant to provide electricity to the West End Car Park in Fort William. Sarah Kennedy, Company Secretary & Director from Fort William Marina & Shoreline Community Interest Company, said: 

“Since installing the Fort William Pontoons, the main thing that users have been asking for have been toilets and showers. This is really key for us to become a viable location for these marine visitors to our town. It will also be a vital facility to be used by the cruise ship crew, excursions team, guides, drivers, volunteers and the Port Facility Security Officer from The Highland Council. It will also be an additional facility for locals and other visitors parking in the West End Car Park.”  

Strathdearn Community Developments are very grateful to have received a grant to provide electricity to a site at Viaduct View in Tomatin, Inverness-shire. Maureen McDonald‑Cooke of Strathdearn Community Developments said:

“This project will now deliver five three‑bedroom family homes and one two‑bedroom accessible bungalow. These properties will be available at an affordable rent. This will help to support vital local roles such as carers and tourism staff, where access to suitable housing is often a barrier.

“The homes will be marketed to people with a local connection to the area, owned by the community, and built to high energy‑efficiency standards.

“Our aim is to address the shortage of affordable housing in the region by providing high‑quality homes that support both local and regional businesses during construction and beyond. We also hope to attract young families back to the area to help sustain the local primary school roll, as well as encourage economically active people to remain in or return to the area.”

Westside Football Club has received a grant to provide electricity to their premises, adjacent to the Community Centre, Lower Barvas, Isle of Lewis. John Macleod, Chairman from Westside Football Club, said:

“The Club has the opportunity to revert to a more simple and traditional approach to heating and lighting its property, helping to manage its energy usage and overhead costs. Having a dedicated energy supply would have a hugely positive impact on the long term sustainability of the Club.”   

For more information on the Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust and to access the application form, please visit their website - https://www.shect.org