Highland communities are set to benefit from £28m (€31m) generated by SSE Renewables’ 228MW Stronelairg wind farm.
The Stronelairg Community Development Fund will take SSE’s total community benefit contribution in the area to more than £80m.
It will be used to finance rural infrastructure, community projects and skills and development opportunities throughout the Great Glen.
SSE said that everything from new medical facilities, to sports hubs, to skills and training initiatives, can apply for support, with £1,183,500 being handed out every year for 25 years.
Money will also be added to SSE Renewables’ Highland Sustainable Development Fund, which supports strategic projects to allow the benefits of renewable energy developments to be shared across the region.
The fund will invest £50m over 25 years across the Highlands.
SSE Renewables managing director designate Jim Smith said: “Completion of the wind farm early and on budget is testament to the skills of the teams involved and of course we thank the local community for their support.
“SSE Renewables is intrinsically connected to the Highlands, we’re committed to supporting the communities we’re part of and firmly believe locals should share in the economic benefits renewable energy creates.
“The fund is a significant contribution to the local economy with the ability to change lives and we look forward to seeing this money invested in a wide range of projects and facilities which will deliver a real and sustained benefit for decades to come.
“Our history is in the Highlands and we’ve been contributing to these communities for over 70 years and we look forward to making a real difference for many more years to come.”
Local MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Drew Hendry described the new fund as “fantastic news” for local communities.
“Access to this fund will enable our communities to develop infrastructure, improve services and invest in projects to benefit the people living and working in the local area,” he said.
“This investment from SSE is also a great example of how renewable energy projects are not only delivering to meet our current energy needs and future carbon targets, they are also greatly benefiting our rural economy,” he added.
Stronelairg is located in the Garrogie estate, south east of Fort Augustus and next to SSE’s Glendoe hydro scheme.
It features 66 Vestas 3.45MW turbines and has been fully operational since early December.