Angus MacDonald MP has rallied support across party lines in response to the UK Government’s decision to exclude the Fort Augustus to Skye transmission line from the £22 million in community benefit funding.
The Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross‑shire accused the Government of “betraying expectations” after confirming that local communities along the route will miss out on this funding, even though they are home to vital energy infrastructure.
Under current guidance, only transmission line projects that involve a voltage increase qualify for community funds.
The Fort Augustus to Skye upgrade fails to meet that technical criterion, despite the introduction of larger steel pylons, a clear boost in capacity, and substantial visual and environmental impact.
Communities on the 110 km line from Fort Augustus to Dunvegan could lose out on up to £22 million in total.
This figure is based on the established rate of £200,000 per kilometre for overhead transmission lines.
Angus MacDonald expressed his frustration at the technical gloss over real impact, stating:
“The Government’s own consultation said a ‘degree of flexibility’ was needed to avoid unintentionally omitting projects like this, yet that’s exactly what’s happened.”
He added:
“The people of Skye were told they’d be eligible.
“Now they’re being left out based on a technicality.
“That’s completely unacceptable.”
The project, led by SSEN Transmission, aims to replace ageing wooden poles with taller, double‑circuit steel pylons to support new onshore wind developments.
Despite its scale and its contribution to national clean energy targets, the initiative falls short of the voltage increase threshold that triggers community funding.
MacDonald urged ministers to step in before it’s too late, calling for Ofgem to declare Skye’s case exceptional and to adjust the rules to include projects like this.
“There’s still time for Ministers to fix this,” he said.
“They should encourage Ofgem to treat this as an exceptional case and revise the rules so that projects like Skye aren’t excluded on a technicality.
“Local people are doing their bit for the UK’s energy security.
“£22 million is a massive amount of money for the approximately 6,250 households impacted to lose out on.
“They deserve to see a return.”
To press this issue further, MacDonald has written to key decision‑makers, including Michael Shanks, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ian Murray at the Scotland Office, and senior leadership at Ofgem.
His letters urge swift action to safeguard community expectations and ensure fairness for the Skye route.
This cross‑party campaign reflects growing unease among affected residents and politicians alike that strict technical definitions are overriding the spirit of community engagement.
Many on Skye and across Lochalsh are watching closely, hopeful that mounting pressure might prompt the Government and Ofgem to rethink their rigid stance.
At stake is more than just funding.
It’s a matter of trust between rural communities and the central power structures making decisions far from the Highlands.
The outcome of this campaign could reshape how future infrastructure projects are assessed for community impact and eligibility.
