ScottishPower business SP Energy Networks is inviting charities and community groups to apply for the first tranche of funding from its £6.8m Community Benefit grants programme.

The aim of the fund is to support communities living near to electrical infrastructure in central and southern Scotland.

Funding is available to those supporting communities in Pinmore & Pinwherry, Girvan, Kirkconnel and Kelloholm, Barrhill, Lesmahagow, Coalburn, Tweedsmuir, Crawford & Elvanfoot, New Luce and Royal Burgh of Sanquhar & District.

The funding will focus on skills development, employability support and enhancing green spaces.

Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are being made available, with a deadline of 13 March for applications. Decisions on the grants are expected by the end of May.

Andrei Yusfin, chief executive of the fund’s delivery partner Localgiving said: “We are excited to be partnering with SP Energy Networks for this impactful new Community Benefit funding programme.

“We are delighted to be able to be a part of this positive and innovative programme and alongside SP Energy Networks see the impact that this funding can deliver.”

Prior to the launch of the fund Localgiving engaged with local communities to better understand their interests and priorities.

“Over the past few months, it’s been fantastic to engage directly with groups across Scotland, learning about their communities, latest developments and biggest challenges,” added Yusfin.

SP Energy Networks transmission managing director Guy Jefferson said: “We believe our communities should share directly in the benefits of our projects, and we’re excited to be able to help them bring the ideas and initiatives that matter most to communities, to life.”

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