NorthConnect is calling on local groups to once again apply for funding from the NorthConnect Legacy Fund.

NorthConnect, the joint venture behind a 665km subsea interconnector, set up the initial £10,000 annual Legacy Fund in 2017, and whilst the project awaits a decision from the Norwegian Government, the Fund will be set at £10,000 for applications in the autumn of 2020.

The fund is administered by Foundation Scotland, an independent Scottish grant-making charity, for the benefit of people in Boddam, Longhaven, Cruden Bay, Peterhead, St Fergus, Mintlaw, Burnhaven, Hatton and the surrounding areas, including local seafaring communities and groups.

The aims of the Fund are:

• To provide sustainable support to the communities and stakeholders living, working and playing in the vicinity of the NorthConnect infrastructure including: the converter station, HVAC and HVDC cabling both on and offshore.
• To support sustainable energy use and production.
• To support sustainability, energy, environment, health and wellbeing education.
• To increase participation in and access to contemporary culture, events and recreational activities in an environmentally sensitive manner.
• To preserve and enhance the natural environment for residents and visitors to the area.

The closing date for this round of applications is Monday 12th October 2020, and decisions will be made in late November. Local groups can apply for up to £1,500 per project.

Richard Blanchfield, the Head of Permitting & Agreements at NorthConnect in the UK, said: “NorthConnect has funded almost 50 local projects since it was set up and we hope to continue this work while we wait for the necessary consents from the Norwegian Government. Through this Fund NorthConnect can provide funding to help groups create a legacy in the local area, which is particularly important given the impacts of this year’s pandemic.”

Dr Blanchfield added: “NorthConnect is a climate project that will benefit the whole of Scotland once operational. It will help bring down the cost of electricity for the British consumer and at the same time enable the development of even more renewable electricity capacity in Scotland which is crucial in meeting our net-zero ambitions.”

The successful grant applicants in 2019 were: Men United, Port Erroll Heritage Group, Peterhead Academy, Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust, The Friends of Aden Country Park, Peterhead Academy, Port Erroll School Parent Council, Apex Church Peterhead, Crimond Community Centre, Aberdeen Foyer, Mintlaw Public Hall, Artventure, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Buchanhaven Harbour SCIO, and Stuartfield and District Community Association.

For further information about how to apply to the Fund visit: https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/NorthConnect or contact Foundation Scotland on 0131 524 0300.