Caithness projects among those to benefit from £2.2m SSE wind farm fund
Caithness is set to benefit from a slice of £2.2 million funding being dished out on the back of wind farm community cash.
Among the projects being supported by SSE’s Highland Sustainable Development Fund are a pedestrian bridge on the John O’Groats Trail and a new reception building at Wick River campsite.
In total, 19 projects are set to benefit from the fund, which is provided for by SSE Renewables’ onshore wind farms in the region and supports community and charitable projects across the Highlands.
A key focus in this year’s awards is affordable housing and awards totalling £380,000 will enable 41 affordable and community owned homes to be built in Applecross, Assynt, Glendale, and Scourie.
Communities Housing Trust was awarded funding of £150,000 towards the creation of six new homes in Glendale, Skye. The charity and the Glendale Trust are working together on the renovation of Borrodale School building, which has been empty for 15 years.
The Highland Energy Efficiency Programme, delivered by Highland Council, was awarded £800,000 which will help the programme to deliver energy efficiency in households across the region experiencing fuel poverty.
Initially funded with £1 million from SSE Renewables in 2022, it has delivered improvements in 220 homes to date. The new funding will enable it to deliver to 160 more homes, including those in remote and rural locations where the costs of installations are often higher.
Wick and East Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner, leader of council, said: “This significant funding will support the most vulnerable households in the region, helping them to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
“The dedication of our Climate and Energy Team has been pivotal in attracting this crucial funding which underlines the importance of partnership working in addressing the challenging issues we face in the Highland region. I am delighted to see SSE Renewables’ continued support of such a vital project.”
Lord McConnell, chairman of the Sustainable Development Fund Panel, said: "Alongside an ageing population, depopulation is a major issue for many Highlands communities.
“A key factor driving people away is the lack of affordable housing for families and young skilled people in rural and remote areas. So our panel has invested significantly in the development of new affordable homes, owned by local communities, to help turn this situation around.”
Caithness Voluntary Group was awarded £60,000 to fund a community development officer post over two years to support the development and delivery of community projects that will include net-zero elements.
Wick Development Trust also received £60,000 towards its build of an energy efficient and accessible reception at Wick River Campsite.
The Association of Northern Trails gets £35,000 towards a pedestrian footbridge and people counters at Loth Burn, part of the John O’Groats Trail and the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust to employ a project officer to develop responsible tourism projects and promote rail travel in the communities served by the Far North Line.
Morven Smith, head of community investment at SSE, said: “SSE is proud to support these valuable projects and services that are being developed and delivered by communities across the region to meet their pressing needs. Without the clean green power generated by our onshore wind assets, this would not be possible.”