£1m fund for villages near “hub” project
A new £1 million fund is being established for the communities near the proposed Lewis Hub project, a major infrastructure development by SSEN Transmission to upgrade the island’s electricity network and prepare for the renewables revolution.
The proposal will be sited on Arnish moor and those living in the North Lochs, Stornoway and Laxdale community council areas are being encouraged to take part in a public consultation on how the fund will be administered.
Two events are planned for Monday 18th May between 3.30pm and 7pm at the Cabarfeidh Hotel and on Tuesday 19th May at the North Lochs Community Centre, between 3pm and 7pm, with a further event online on Monday 25th.
Announcing the new fund, SSEN Transmission said that it “is being developed for communities closest to the project and will support local projects and initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for the area.
“SSEN Transmission is keen for local people to play a central role in shaping how the funding is used and will host three events giving residents and organisations the opportunity to share their views.”
As well as local residents they said they were “also keen to hear from organisations that support communities in these areas”.
For those unable to attend any of the events, an online survey will be available from 18 May, allowing people to learn more about the fund and share their views as to how the money should be used.
The fund is expected to become available later this year, once development of the Lewis Hub gets underway and after feedback from local communities has been used to set funding priorities.
Linsay Chalmers is SSEN Transmission’s Community Investment Manager responsible for overseeing the fund.
She said: “The Lewis Hub Local Fund will deliver more than a million pounds for projects and initiatives that support local communities, but what really matters to us is that local people play a central role in shaping how that funding is used.
“That is why we are holding a series of events to give communitiesa real say in where the money goes, supporting projects that not only make a difference today but continue to benefit the Western Isles for generations to come.
“Through the Lewis Hub project, SSEN Transmission is committed to supporting long-term social and economic growth in the Western Isles and leaving a meaningful, lasting legacy for local communities.
"The Lewis Hub Local Fund is a key part of that legacy, and builds on recent awards made through our separate Regional Community Benefit Fund, where projects in the Western Isles benefited from over £875,000 for local projects.”
In a rallying call to residents, Linsay Chalmers said: “We encourage local people to get involved in our upcoming events and help shape how the funding is used.”