UHI partnership secures nearly 25% of £2m funding, driving regional innovation and sustainability

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is celebrating a major achievement after two of its academic partners secured nearly 25% of the £2 million funding awarded in the first round of Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Regional Community Benefit Fund. Competing against over £50 million pounds' worth of applications from 328 applicants, UHI Inverness and UHI North, West and Hebrides were among just ten organisations to receive funding —an outstanding endorsement of the collaborative approach and the transformative impact the UHI partnership delivers across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire.

Two flagship projects—UHI Inverness’s Sustainable Construction Centre and UHI North, West and Hebrides’ expansion of the Uist Unearthed digital archaeology project—have received over £460,000 in combined funding. These initiatives highlight the university partnership’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and cultural preservation, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic and social development in the regions it serves. 

Sustainable Construction Centre: Advancing green skills for the future 

With a £352,000 grant from SSEN Transmission’s Regional Community Benefit Fund, UHI Inverness is set to launch a Sustainable Construction Centre. The 12,000-square-foot facility on Harbour Road, Inverness, will train the next generation of construction professionals in sustainable building techniques. Equipped with solar panels, LED lighting, and heat pump technology, the centre will support Scotland’s net-zero goals while addressing industry demand for skilled workers in energy-efficient construction and retrofitting. 

Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive at UHI Inverness, said:  

“The Sustainable Construction Centre represents an investment in the future growth of UHI Inverness, demonstrating our focus on supporting a greener, more resilient built environment. Our commitment to supporting the Government’s net zero targets is not just a goal, but a guiding principle that is shaping our curriculum.”

Uist Unearthed Expansion: Digital Innovation in Cultural Heritage 

Meanwhile, a £110,000 grant will support the expansion of UHI North, West and Hebrides’ multi-award-winning Uist Unearthed project. This initiative, which has already engaged over 11,000 people through its interactive archaeology app, will now expand augmented reality experiences to six additional sites across Barra and Harris. Visitors will be able to explore the region’s rich history—from the Mesolithic era to the early 20th century—through immersive digital storytelling. 

Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:  

“Uist Unearthed is a wonderful example of how colleges and universities can share innovative research and knowledge with our communities, and how we can work in creative partnership with both public and private sectors to have a transformative impact. We want to thank our funders for their support in enabling our archaeology team to expand this fantastic project beyond Uist, highlighting lesser-known sites in Barra and Harris through innovative use of digital technology, and positioning the Outer Hebrides as a key visitor attraction for archaeological interest and sustainable heritage tourism in the UK." 

SSEN Transmission’s Director of Customers and Stakeholders, Christianna Logan, added:  

"We’re delighted to award our first £2 million of funding to incredible projects like UHI’s work in sustainable construction and digital archaeology. UHI Inverness is addressing critical skills shortages in the construction industry, equipping future professionals with expertise in sustainable building. Meanwhile, UHI North, West and Hebrides is using innovative technology to showcase and preserve the rich archaeological heritage of Barra and Harris. As we deliver the infrastructure needed for energy security and net-zero targets, we remain committed to generating real, sustainable value—investing in projects that enrich lives, strengthen communities, and build a more resilient future." 

 In addition to leading two projects, UHI Orkney is also a proud partner of the Orkney Construction Training Group, which received £75,471. This collaborative initiative focuses on developing a modular manufacturing toolkit and two demonstrator modules, providing community organisations with essential resources to help tackle the rural housing crisis. 

 Professor Seonaidh McDonald, Principal of UHI Orkney, said: 

“We are excited to see SSEN Transmission put innovative housing solutions at the top of their agenda. This very practical project will help us understand the potential of small-scale modular housing manufacturing to play a part in the solution here in Orkney and across Scotland's rural communities.” 

These successes underscore the strength of UHI’s coordinated, partnership-driven approach. By aligning its expertise and resources, UHI partners were able to submit and support high-impact proposals—each addressing key regional priorities such as sustainability, skills development and heritage preservation.