SSEN Transmission appoints panel members to oversee £2m community benefit fund

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  • Fund allows organisations to apply for share of £2m for projects that aid skills development, cultural projects, and helps alleviate fuel poverty

  • Marks beginning of what could be over £100 million in support for communities in the north of Scotland

 SSEN Transmission has appointed three independent panel members to oversee applications to its £2m regional community benefit fund, which launched a month ago.

There has been strong initial interest in the fund, which enables organisations across the north of Scotland to apply for funding that aids skills development, supports cultural projects, and helps alleviate fuel poverty.

It marks the beginning of what could be over £100 million in support for communities in the north of Scotland, delivered as part of the largest electricity infrastructure programme the region has ever seen.

The independent panel members, who will work alongside the fund’s inaugural Chair Peter Peacock, are:

  • Louisa Macdonell – Scotland Director for the charity Business in the Community and a Just Transition Commissioner for Scotland. Louisa is entrepreneur-in-residence at the University of Edinburgh Business School and supports small business owners especially those run by women, communities and social enterprises. She also sits on the board of Social Investment Scotland.

  • Nicholas Gubbins – founding Chief Executive of Community Energy Scotland, Nicholas has previously served as Head of Community Regeneration at Highlands and Islands Enterprise and has held various roles including in the environmental, community development and energy sectors.

  • Lucy Conway – a volunteer Director of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, Lucy has extensive experience in community development and culture having successfully managed funds targeted at economic and social development, health and wellbeing, and innovation in rural communities.

Christianna Logan, SSEN Transmission’s Director of Customers and Stakeholders, is the remaining member of the panel. Grants are available from a minimum amount of £40,000 up to £500,000, with the deadline for applications Friday 22 November.

Commenting on the appointment of the panel members, the fund’s inaugural Chair Peter Peacock, said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of these talented individuals, each of whom are united in their vision to deliver genuine support to communities across the north of Scotland and who have a strong record in supporting communities and local people.

“We’ve had a great initial response to the launch of the fund, which will allow charities and community organisations to deliver transformational impact and improve places and the lives of people.

“But we’re keen to hear more good ideas that will help with skills and employability, create stronger places and further enrich their culture, and help alleviate fuel poverty.

“We encourage anyone with ideas that will deliver positive benefits in their community to apply ahead of our final deadline of 22 November and avoid missing out.”

Comments from panel members

Nicholas Gubbins:
“This is a critical moment in our efforts to decarbonise our energy system. The new Regional Fund is a real opportunity to help ensure that the benefits of this change are felt by our communities. I'm very pleased to be able to help play a role in this process."

Lucy Conway:
“We know the diverse communities across the north of Scotland have a wealth of ideas to create a stronger, greener, and more equal future for the people who live in them.  I am excited to see how the new SSEN Transmission Regional Community Benefit Fund helps bring those ideas to fruition, locally and regionally.”

Louisa Macdonell:
“Communities are full of innovative ideas to become successful and thriving places. From job creation to climate action and developing pride in their places, the Regional Fund will be able to provide significant support for the long term.”