SSE Renewables is to award over £2m (€2m) to 23 projects across the Scottish Highlands to help the region recover from the coronavirus outbreak.
The £2.15m pot, from the company’s Highland Sustainable Development Fund, will help support communities across the region as they recover from the current outbreak.
The Sustainable Development Fund’s application process took place prior to the pandemic, however, in response the fund’s independent panel agreed to double the amount of funding available.
This year the fund is awarding over £500,000 to tourism projects in the Highlands, helping them to recover and grow over the months and years ahead.
Sustainable Development Fund chair Lord Jack McConnell said: “These are difficult times for those who live, work and do business in Highland Region.
“We have supported projects that provide hope for the future with more sustainable communities and jobs. And to make sure these projects happen we will be flexible in working with local organisations to meet the new circumstances.”
Projects include £300,000 to Raasay Development Trust to create a community owned hydro system.
Farmer Jones Academy CIC has been awarded £102,000 to provide training and apprenticeship provision which will be vital to support the recovery of local businesses.
Farmer Jones Academy CIC director Sarah MacKenzie said: “With the support from SSE Renewables, we will be able to expand our accredited training portfolio, establish growing hubs and deliver early intervention farming, food and drink masterclasses to schools, community groups and local businesses within the Highlands.
“Due to the current pandemic, the need for local homegrown produce and talent has never been greater.”
Other projects benefitting from funding include £115,000 to build affordable community housing in Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston, £47,139 towards the creation of a training academy in Inverness and a £174,456 grant to transform Dornoch police station into a community hub.