Scottish Water has completed a £35 million programme of upgrades across the Hebrides aimed at strengthening water supplies and improving long term network reliability for island communities.
The work has been delivered over the past five years in partnership with Caledonia Water Alliance and has included the replacement and modernisation of ageing water mains across multiple islands and rural communities.
The upgrades are designed to reduce the risk of burst pipes and unplanned supply interruptions while helping ensure homes and businesses continue to receive reliable drinking water during periods of high demand and difficult weather conditions.
Communities benefiting from the investment include Tolsta, Bragar, Stornoway County, Bayble, Grimshader, Benbecula, Port of Ness and the Isle of Skye.
The programme has focused on improving the resilience of infrastructure serving island communities where weather conditions and geography can place additional pressure on water networks.
Peter McMahon, Caledonia Water Alliance Site Manager, relocated to Stornoway during delivery of the programme and praised the teams involved in completing the work.
“These projects were delivered in often challenging weather conditions, and I’d like to thank our supply chain partners for their commitment, flexibility and hard work throughout.
“I’d also like to thank local communities and landowners for their cooperation and patience, particularly during periods when temporary water supplies were required to allow the work to be completed safely.”
Scottish Water said local contractors were used wherever possible to help deliver the programme efficiently while supporting employment and skills within island communities.
The organisation also highlighted the importance of local knowledge and expertise in ensuring the work was carried out safely and with minimal disruption.
Rob Mustard, Director of Capital Investment at Scottish Water, said:
“By replacing ageing water mains and enhancing the reliability of supplies, we are ensuring that customers across these island communities can continue to rely on high quality drinking water now and in the future.
“We are grateful to our delivery partners, local contractors and communities for their support in helping us successfully complete this important programme.”
The investment represents one of the larger recent infrastructure programmes delivered across the Hebrides and reflects continuing efforts to strengthen essential services in remote and island communities.
