The Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust is an independent charitable trust set up in 1998 by Scottish Hydro Electric plc (now SSE plc), and considers applications for support with the cost of connecting to the electricity network for individual homeowners, and also for community groups with charitable status, in the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) licence area in the north of Scotland.
The Trust is looking to support up to 75% of the cost of connections for successful community projects, and up to 50% of the cost for individuals looking for support to meet the costs of a new domestic connection. As a charity, it is required to means test applications for domestic connections.
The next round of applications closes on Tuesday 16 May 2023, with future applications being considered by Trustees on a quarterly basis.
David Telford, Trust Chairman, said:
“In the last financial year, we’ve issued grants of almost £124,000 to support individual homeowners to help them connect to the network in SSEN’s distribution area in the north of Scotland, with almost £17,000 issued to support connection costs of community projects providing significant benefit to their local communities.
“The Trust was initially set up to help those facing challenges connecting to the electricity network, particularly in some of our more rural mainland and island communities, so we’re delighted to continue providing this vital support to individuals and community groups over 20 years later.”
Yarrows Heritage Trust has received a grant to provide electricity to their facility at Thrumster Station, Thrumster, Wick. Their Chairman, Mr Jay Wilson, said:
“The Yarrows Heritage Trust was established to study, preserve, and interpret to the public the heritage of the Thrumster community area near Wick, Caithness.
“Thrumster Station was part of the Wick-Lybster Railway. Active between 1903-1944, this line represented the further extension of rail in Britain, 742 miles from London Euston to Lybster. When the line was closed the stations fell into disrepair - we bought it in 2005 and in 2011 we began restoration.
“After restoration, it was intended that the building would be used to display historic artefacts from the area and to serve a community meeting purpose, as well as being the only station on the historic line open to the public. Connection of power to the station represents the last step in restoring it to a usable public space that will benefit the charity and the wider community.”
Finechty Men’s Shed has received a grant to provide electricity to their facility at Sandy Creek, Findochty, Buckie. Mr Alan Milne from the group, said:
“Finechty Men’s Shed was set up to provide an opportunity to learn new skills through a variety of activities and offer a social, welcoming space to meet people and find information on local projects. This group is open to men of all ages, has benefits to their wellbeing and mental health, camaraderie as well as furtherance for charity and the Finechty community.”
Scalloway Community Development Company is a not-for-profit registered charity dedicated to identifying and developing projects that will improve the local community. John Mackenzie from the company said:
“We received a grant from SHECT to provide electricity to our new Scalloway Caravan Park which opened on 1st May 2023. The site has pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents as well as two glamping pods.
“The location is adjacent to two lochs (both SSSI’s) and a golf course, with archery, sailing, fishing, tourist trails and the village facilities nearby. This project will support outdoor recreation, physical activity and tourism whilst also contributing to conservation of biodiversity by encouraging outdoor learning and promoting sustainability.”
Charlie Greenwood, Team Leader with Hebrides Mountain Rescue said:
“In the last 12 months, the team has shown growth in terms of training and ability to work together. At the end of last year, the team experienced a productive recruitment drive, producing numerous good team members, with some of these team members already providing significant contributions to the team on and off the hill.
“Considerable progress on the team base has been made, where fundraising efforts have continued to exceed our expectations and have allowed us to start construction and complete the building in April this year.
“Relationships with partner agencies have been positive, with the Emergency Services show during the summer promoting mental health awareness. Additionally, 5 team members attended the Coastguard Search Technician course. It is hoped more multi-agency training will follow as teams continue to clear the covid training backlog.
“During 2021/2022 period the team received 17 callouts, for fifteen incidents, where thirteen incidents involved human casualties. The remaining incidents were animal rescues or natural disasters (moor fires).”
Further applications are welcome after the closing date of Tuesday 16 May as the Trust meets on a quarterly basis to regularly consider applications.
For more information on the Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust, to apply online or download an application form, please visit www.shect.org.