The Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) was established in 2012 when the prospect of community benefit from micro hydro schemes locally first arose. Its initial income was modest as schemes were slower than anticipated to bring to fruition. However, by the end of 2021 our SCIO had begun to receive long-term Community Benefit from two hydro schemes at Nevis Range and Allt Mhuic for their expected lifetime as well as from a SSE windfarm just out of area at Stronelairg, the latter for three years only. Occasionally, welcome donations from individuals and local stakeholders have been made, as well as from the Scottish Government’s Supporting Communities Fund in 2020-21 in recognition of the SCIO’s outstanding contribution to local resilience during the most challenging months of the COVID pandemic.

Whilst applications for financial assistance have always been openly invited, only a small number of community organisations have taken up the opportunity and the total budget available has not been spent. The SCIO’s Trustees remain keen to deliver the trust’s objectives.

Our SCIO recently received a pledge of joint funding from Highland & islands Enterprise and SSE Renewables to enable the appointment of a part-time Community Development Officer over a two-year period to the end of 2023. No top-up funding is required from other sources. The appointment reflects a desire among the Trustees to be more ambitious with future projects, especially if bolstered by community benefit from the Coire Glas pumped storage hydro scheme, and a wish to canvas across the community as to preferred schemes during a four-month Community Consultation. The aim is to deliver maximum benefit to deserving, sustainable projects having established there is an appetite within the community for such activities.

Our SCIO’s constitution is currently being revised to ensure full compliance with Scottish Land Fund eligibility. This will allow us to access any Community Right to Buy opportunities which may arise in the months ahead as well as other public resources such as the Community Ownership Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and the Highland Nature Restoration Fund. As a registered Scottish Charity No SC 044101 we are regulated by OSCR (The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) and the link to our registration is here.

Our People

Tony Perriam is our Community Development Officer. Tony will be the first point of contact during the consultation and as the action plan is created. He can be reached either via tony@srascio.scot or on his mobile number of 07555 637407.

Our SCIO is directed and managed by nine trustees, all with homes within our community. Our Chair is John Fotheringham, who also leads the Community Council. Brief biographies of all our trustees can be found here.