AD FEATURE: Pioneering scheme announced to tackle housing shortage in north of Scotland

A ground-breaking initiative has been announced to address the housing shortage in the north of Scotland, alongside a major power network upgrade. The £20 billion investment in the power network will also facilitate the construction of over 1,000 homes for the workforce involved in delivering the electricity transmission upgrades in the region. Once these projects are completed, the homes will be made available to local communities, aiming to alleviate the housing challenges in the area.

The construction of these homes is expected to provide employment opportunities and substantial economic benefits to the local economy. By 2030, around 400 houses will be built in Aberdeenshire, with a similar number planned for the Highlands and other northern areas of Scotland. SSEN Transmission, the leading company behind this initiative, is collaborating with councils, housing associations, and other organisations to ensure the successful delivery of the new homes.

Moreover, this significant grid upgrade is crucial for enhancing energy security and supporting the UK’s net zero goals. It plays a vital role in meeting renewable energy targets, especially in accelerating offshore wind connection dates by 2030. In addition to the housing development, the local communities will receive funding for various community projects. SSEN Transmission has established a £10 million regional fund for community groups, with future funds exceeding £100 million in the pipeline, pending government approval.

Applications are currently being accepted for grants of up to £5,000 to support health and well-being initiatives in communities across Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perth and Kinross, and the north east of Clackmannanshire. The Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, Rob McDonald, emphasised the significance of this investment in addressing housing challenges in the north of Scotland and highlighted the collaborative efforts with different stakeholders to bring this vision to reality.

The Scottish Government’s housing minister, Paul McLennan, commended the innovative approach taken by SSEN Transmission and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032. Carolyn Lochhead, director of external affairs at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, expressed enthusiasm for working alongside SSEN Transmission to provide much-needed homes in the northern regions.

Christianna Logan, the director of customers and stakeholders at SSEN Transmission, highlighted the social and economic impacts of upgrading the electricity grid, including reviving a housing legacy for communities in the north of Scotland. This initiative is anticipated to not only address the housing crisis but also contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of the region.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between SSEN Transmission, local authorities, and housing organisations signify a significant step towards not only enhancing the region’s infrastructure but also improving the quality of life for residents in the north of Scotland. This initiative sets a precedent for innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges and demonstrates the potential for public-private partnerships to drive positive change in communities.