Work begins on first direct electricity link between Western Isles and mainland

Construction has begun on the first direct electricity transmission link between the Western Isles and the mainland.

The Lewis Hub will allow renewable energy to flow to the mainland while providing a firm grid connection for the islands.

Based in Arnish on the Isle of Lewis, the site has already seen new homes built, hundreds of construction jobs created and a boost for the local economy.

The site is located in Arnish on the Isle of Lewis STV News

Sandy McTaggart, director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “We’re delighted to see the housebuilding works just outside of Stornoway just now.

“These houses have gone up, there’s a street built in the last two months, which is phenomenal.

“Not only that, the refurbishment of the Caledonian Hotel and actually just seeing here in the deep-water port – the new link road that’s in here to connect up the port to the main road.”

John Maciver, director of operations at Hebridean Housing Partnership, added: “It’s additional money into the islands for housing that wouldn’t otherwise necessarily have been available, so houses are being built that we might not otherwise have been able to do, which will then become available for people at the end of the renewables projects.”

The Lewis Hub will comprise a high-voltage converter station and substation and will support apprentices, trainees and newly qualified tradespeople.

Joiner Katy Macdonald said: “I think there’s been a resurgence in people my age wanting to stay here, and it’s really nice that there are more opportunities for us to be able to stay here and form careers without having to go away.

“Obviously, we’ve got this big project going on which is generating jobs for years to come, which is amazing for anyone who wants to get involved.”