Latest awards announced from SSE Renewables’ Highland Sustainable Development Fund
SSE has awarded £2.1 million to 17 projects across the Scottish Highlands through its Highland Sustainable Development Fund. Backed by the company’s onshore wind farms, the Fund provides support to community and charitable initiatives across the region, with funding decisions made by an independent expert panel.
A key priority for this year’s funding is addressing the shortage of affordable housing across rural and island communities, a challenge contributing to depopulation and an ageing population. In total, £656,000 has been allocated to support the delivery of 39 affordable, community‑owned homes in locations including Canna, Eigg, Muck, Raasay and Rum.
Among the projects supported, the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust (IoCCDT) has received £120,000 towards the construction of three new homes on community‑owned land. The homes will be of a sufficient size to accommodate new families and new residents.
Andrew Prendergast, Development Manager at Isle of Canna Community Development Trust, said, “IoCCDT is really excited about finally being able to start our community‑led housing project on Canna after five long years in the planning. The funding from SSE will help us put our island community on a more stable and secure footing with three new homes for families and new residents.”
Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) has been awarded £95,000 towards the construction of 10 affordable, energy‑efficient homes at Achagarry on the Coigach peninsula. This builds on the success CCDC has already had in developing and managing a community‑owned wind turbine to generate a long‑term income, as well as renovating the Old Schoolhouse at Achiltibuie into two flats for affordable rent.
In West Ardnamurchan, a £200,000 award will support the development of a new community shop, fuel station and EV charging hub at Kilchoan. The project will help restore vital local services in this remote rural area.
Ali Upton, Director of West Ardnamurchan Community Development Company, commented, “We are grateful for the considerable support SSE has given to this project. This grant award is enabling the Kilchoan Shop and Service Station project to progress at pace and provide the critical service our remote and rural community needs.”
Projects focused on community woodlands and growing spaces have received £180,000 in funding. One of the group’s awarded funding was Knocknagael Ltd which received £89,025 to support the development of a space in Inverness.
Lord McConnell, Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund Panel, said, “The ageing population and wider depopulation are major barriers to development across many Highland communities. A lack of affordable housing for families and young skilled people in rural and remote areas is a key factor driving people from the region and our Panel wanted to help address this key regional issue.
We’ve invested significantly in the development of new affordable homes, owned by local communities, and some specific projects that will help sustain communities economically and socially. Collectively, the awards aim to support Highland communities to be strong and sustainable into the future.”
Morven Smith, Head of Community Investment at SSE, added, “SSE is proud to support these important projects and services that are being developed and delivered by communities across the region to meet their most pressing needs. Without the clean green power generated by our onshore wind assets, this would not be possible.”
Headline Image – Coigach proposed housing development at Achagarry on the Coigach peninsula
Image 2 – West Ardnamurchan shop, fuel station and EV charging
Image 3 – Knocknagael Visual Allotments – credit, Iglu Studio