Community trust offers help with electricity grid connections in north of Scotland

Support for small-scale projects looking to connect into the electricity network is being offered.

The Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust is inviting applications from home owners and community projects across the north of Scotland.

Previous projects supported by the trust include Plastic@Bay CIC, Durness, which received a grant towards the connection of its new plastic recycling workshop, set up in Durness to tackle plastic pollution on local beaches.

The Aboyne and Mid Deeside Community Shed also received a grant to provide electricity to their premises at Stone Circle Road, Aboyne.

Philip Lay, the group's treasurer, said: “This is a major new social development for Aboyne. The facility will offer opportunities for local people, as groups or individuals, to become involved in a range of practical activities, projects or events, as well as a place for daytime socialising in a relaxing woodland environment.

"The shed will be open to all adults 18-plus. Those under 18, accompanied by a responsible adult, will be welcome visitors. The Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust was selected as a potential funding provider by being a specialist in giving assistance to rural community groups needing a supply connection in the SSEN distribution area.”

The trust is looking to support up to 75 per cent of the cost of connections for successful community projects and will also support up to 50 per cent of the cost for individuals looking for support to meet the costs of a new domestic connection.

The next round of applications closes on Friday, December 27, with future applications being considered by trustees on a quarterly basis.

For more information on the Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust, to apply online or download an application form, visit www.shect.org

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