Caithness communities to get £335k benefit from SSEN’s Shetland subsea link

More than £335,000 of funding coming to Caithness from a major energy infrastructure project will make a real difference to communities, it has been stated.

Sinclair’s Bay Trust and Wick Development Trust will each get half of the £338,625 being delivered through SSEN Transmission’s community benefit fund established on the back of its Shetland High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link project.

The 260km subsea link between Shetland and the mainland at Noss Head, north of Wick, was energised last year, connecting the islands to the GB electricity grid for the first time.

Now, the company has announced that the Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund, worth a total of £677,250, will be split between projects in Caithness and Shetland.

The money will be delivered over the next four years to fund priority projects that have been identified by the community groups.

Ian Ross, director of Sinclair’s Bay Trust, said: “Sinclair’s Bay Trust is delighted to be one of the beneficiaries of the Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund. The funding will make a real difference in our area and will help us achieve our aim to improve the lives of those living, working and visiting the Sinclair’s Bay area.

“We have a range of projects ready to progress that will make the area safer, build our communities and will allow residents and visitors to enjoy being in the area. Having this regular funding available in our area and community opens up opportunities for us to explore and will enable more of our projects to progress quicker.”

Alistair Jack, chairman of Wick Development Trust, said: “Wick Development Trust is delighted to be working with SSEN Transmission, and for having this opportunity to deliver essential community developments and projects within Wick through the Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund.

“A portion of this year’s funding allocation will be used as match funding towards a path restoration project around Wick Riverside, enabling this popular walking, running and cycling path network to be resurfaced and upgraded so that it is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

“Over the next four years, the fund will be used to fully fund smaller community projects, or to be used as match funding towards larger projects that have been identified around Wick through previous or future community consultations.”

In March, the UK government published new guidance for community benefit funding, which is expected to result in over £100 million for communities in the north of Scotland, according to SSEN. It says that substation projects such as the Banniskirk Hub could generate £530,000 in funding, with the 171km of associated overhead line between Spittal and Beauly generating £200,000 per km.

The funding comes as part of SSEN Transmission’s planned investment of at least £22bn in new high voltage onshore and offshore infrastructure supporting national energy security and clean energy ambitions, while creating huge economic opportunities in local communities.

However, the plans for much of the associated infrastructure have created a backlash from communities and some politicians, with a meeting in Beauly at the weekend attracting around 300 people and resulting in calls for a pause on all major developments until a national energy policy is published.

Representatives from Halkirk & District, Dunnet & Canisbay and Dunbeath community councils were in attendance either in person or via video link and outlined the volume of planning applications for various energy projects making them feel “under siege”.

Gary Hughes, SSEN Transmission’s economic development manager, said: “We are delighted to announce that communities in Caithness will receive £338,625 through our Shetland HVDC Link project, which is indicative of the scale of opportunity for communities located near proposed new and upgraded transmission infrastructure.

“We are already seeing the positive impact of community benefit funding that comes alongside our work to upgrade the transmission network, with over £2.2 million awarded to projects and initiatives in the north of Scotland so far, including nearly £1 million in the Highlands and Islands.

“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.

“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.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.