Pictured: Easter Ross Area Committee Chair Cllr Fiona Robertson
Community Groups in Easter Ross are being encouraged to apply for SSE’s (Scottish and Southern Energy) new Sustainable Development Fund.
This fund supports strategic projects in regions where SSE is operating and it allows the benefits of its renewable energy developments to be accessible to a wider area.
This round of the fund is worth £1 million and has a focus on supporting the net zero ambitions of the region.
There is a minimum application value of £30,000 and awards will be made in the Spring of 2022.
Groups can apply using the application form before 19 January 2022.
SSE say they are happy to discuss applications with eligible groups and Members of Easter Ross Area Committee have also said they are available to discuss the funding opportunities.
At the Easter Ross Area Committee, Chair Cllr Fiona Robertson, said:
“I am delighted to say that SSE’s Sustainable Development Fund will be available to eligible community groups in Easter Ross.
“There are a number of groups which could benefit from this funding and I would encourage them to get in touch with either their local member or SSE directly to discuss an application.”
She added:
“The funding provides a great opportunity for local groups to further their net zero ambitions and do their bit to tackle the ecological and climate emergency whilst also improving assets and resources in the area.”
Any successful application must fit in to at least one of these areas:
Creating opportunities – Create or enhance opportunities for education and employment through activities that develop skills and improve an individual’s chance of entering the workplace.
Empowering communities – Empower communities to become more resilient and protect vulnerable residents through measures which demonstrate long-term social, environmental or economic improvements.
Sustainable places – Stimulate meaningful regeneration to improve or enhance local infrastructure, landscape, biodiversity or heritage and make a lasting difference to the places we live, work and visit.
The SSE contact for Highland is Marianne Townsley, Community Investment Manager, Tel: 01738 341839, email: marianne.townsley@sse.com
