Funding Secured to Tackle Digital Exclusion Across Northern Scotland

The One Digital programme has been awarded almost £227,000 in funding as part of £2m investment announced to power community projects across the north of Scotland.

One Digital offers accessible, accredited digital skills training to disabled people across northern Scotland, tackling digital exclusion and strengthening participation in community and working life. By building digital confidence, connectivity and practical skills, Enable Works is helping to make those rights a reality for hundreds of people across the north of Scotland.

Director of Enable Works, Ashley Ryan said: “Digital exclusion continues to hold too many disabled people back from participating fully in everyday life and employment.

“We are delighted to be part of SSEN Transmission’s investment in communities across northern Scotland which will help us tackle digital exclusion head-on and support hundreds of people to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

The programme is driven by Enable’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which recognises the right of disabled people to live independently, be fully included in their communities and access meaningful employment.

Together with SSEN Transmission, Enable Works is creating a positive, lasting legacy for our communities.

Independent Chair of the Regional Community Benefit Fund, Peter Peacock, said:  

“We’re proud to support these outstanding organisations as they deliver real, lasting benefits for communities across the north of Scotland. Each project reflects the hard work of those building strong, resilient places – whether through skills and employability, improving local facilities, or helping to tackle fuel poverty. We had a high level of interest in the second round of the fund, with a very strong standard of applications, and our thanks go to all who applied. We now look forward to seeing the positive impact of this funding across the region.”  

Gary Hughes, Economic Development Manager at SSEN Transmission added: 

 “These awards show our commitment to ensuring that critical electricity infrastructure delivers real benefits for local communities, especially in remote and island areas. Between our regional fund and the local funds, we are creating, more than £100m will be made available for community benefit across the north of Scotland. This is just one of the positive legacies our investment is delivering as we work to strengthen energy security and support the transition to clean power.”