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SSE's network in the north of Scotland will play a leading role in the clean energy transition, connecting and transporting renewable electricity from wind, hydro and marine generation. SSE's Community Benefit Fund will allow a share of the benefits to go directly to those communities hosting this new infrastructure. It aims to kickstart impactful projects or initiatives that will bring meaningful benefits to communities.The fund has two streams:Regional: for projects benefiting communities located within the SSEN Transmission network area. Any successful application must meet one or more of the following themes:- People: Focusing on skills, training and employability; - Place: Emphasising the community and culture of the north of Scotland;- Alleviating fuel poverty: Looking at strategic ways to help people across the region.Local: for projects benefiting communities situated close to SSE infrastructure.

Local Place Plans offer communities the chance to shape their local area.These are community-led plans that focus on the existing and future use of land and set out proposals for potential developments in the community.A Local Place Plan might consider:- improvements in town and local centres- local initiatives to promote active travel or community food-growing- conservation of the natural and built environments- sites or areas of land which could help - tackle climate-change (such as renewable energy, flood mitigation, or tree planting)- sites for housing development (including affordable housing and housing for particular needs or groups), local employment, or new tourism and community facilities- retaining, improving, and expanding open space, green and blue infrastructure (such as footpaths, water networks, and drainage or flooding measures), and play facilities.Once completed and registered by the planning authority, Local Place Plans will be considered when the Council is preparing a new Local Development Plan.Communities can prepare Local Place Plans at any time but must submit their plan by 31 March 2026 if you would like it to be considered in the preparation of Renfrewshire's new Local Development Plan.The fund can cover costs including:- research- community consultation- professional services, such as planning consultants or graphical support- website or document productionvenue hire.

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative raises capital from the public to place solar panel installations on City of Edinburgh Council buildings (schools, leisure centres and other council owned buildings). As well as paying annual returns to investors, they allocate part of their profits to community causes that benefit the people of Edinburgh.Priorities are:a) Environment/sustainability educationb) Environmental improvements to buildings used by communitiesc) Health, well-being and inclusion (for example community gardens, healthy eating programmes, or improved access to facilities for people with additional mobility needs) d) Initiatives that address fuel povertyThey have a particular focus on:- Children and young people- Older people (55+)- The environment and sustainability- Outdoor education- Sports clubsVisit the Fund website for full details and guidelines.

ArtRoots allows communities to make aesthetic improvements to the National Cycle Network (NCN). Sustrans provides grants towards projects that will enhance spaces, aiming to encourage active travel. ArtRoots empowers communities to plan and deliver what they want and how to make it happen. Sustrans Scotland provides funding for projects, and the ArtRoots officer will support them with advice and help where required. The key point to ArtRoots is that the community manages the project and shapes the outcome. Engaging and delivering locally is essential to a successful project. Communities play a crucial role in encouraging active travel and by making areas more enjoyable or interesting to travel through. The grant can cover services provided by external contractors such as, but not limited to artists, designers, construction workers and engineers. Funding project management fees is possible but assessed on a case-by-case basis by Sustrans Scotland. All projects must be delivered, and grants claimed by 15 March 2026.

The fund is a long-term fund for the Plains community and will be available for the operating life time of the Greengairs East wind farm which is expected to be about 30 years. The Fund will support charitable activities that contribute to at least one of the following:- Improved physical and/or mental health and wellbeing- Reduced isolation or loneliness within the community- Increased access to education, learning and employment- Improvements to the local environment- Reduced food or fuel povertyGrants may support a wide range of costs, such as equipment, staff or sessional workers, consultations, running costs, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities.