A NEW community benefit fund is set to deliver around £335,000 over the next four years for projects in Shetland.
The fund is linked to SSEN Transmission’s high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable between Shetland and the Scottish mainland, which was energised last year.
With a total value of £677,250, the fund will be split equally between projects in Shetland and Caithness – with a total of £338,625 going to priority developments in the isles as picked out by local community groups.
In Shetland the funding will be delivered through Win Furt, a charity covering the communities of Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale, where the HVDC cable makes landfall.
The charity will use the first instalment of funding for the construction of new foot and cycle paths in the area, following feedback from residents who identified these as a priority for local communities.
The Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund is among SSEN Transmission’s first local funds for communities near to new and upgraded infrastructure, with more expected to follow.
Win Furt chairman Andrew Archer said the group was “delighted to be chosen” by SSEN Transmission to distribute the funds locally.
“We know from the consultation work done by Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale Community Council and then by Win Furt, that safer walking and cycling are priorities for our local community and the money will help hugely to deliver this,” he said.
“Win Furt’s current projects are for a combined footpath and cycle path in Tingwall and for a footpath around Hellister Loch in Weisdale.
“Design work at Tingwall started a few months ago and we keep getting asked what is happening with the project at Hellister – this funding allows us to start work on that project as well so it’s tremendous news.”
SSEN Transmission’s economic development manager Gary Hughes said the company was “already seeing the positive impact of community benefit funding” alongside its work to upgrade the transmission network.
“The Shetland HVDC Link is a landmark development that has connected the islands to the mainland electricity grid for the first time, unlocking Shetland’s clean power potential and making a significant contribution to national clean energy and energy security ambitions,” he said.
“This fund is another step towards securing its positive legacy, delivering tangible benefits in the communities hosting our infrastructure and improving the quality of life for local people.”
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