A major new chapter in the Western Isles’ energy future has begun, with construction officially underway on the Lewis Hub, a project that promises significant investment, employment and new opportunities for island communities.
SSEN Transmission marked the milestone on Thursday 5 November at Arnish Moor near Stornoway, where the development will help deliver the Western Isles’ first direct electricity transmission connection to mainland Great Britain.
The hub will include a high voltage direct current converter station and an electricity substation, forming a central part of the wider Western Isles Connection.
Once operational, the connection will allow up to 1.8 gigawatts of renewable electricity generation to access the national transmission network while strengthening electricity security across the islands.
The project has now moved from initial site preparation into main construction, with Highland civil engineering contractor RJ McLeod securing the first major package of works.
Other major contractors, including Balfour Beatty, Linxon, Hitachi Energy and NKT, will contribute to the wider programme.
For the Western Isles, however, the significance extends well beyond the electricity infrastructure itself.
SSEN Transmission is targeting £125 million in spending with local businesses throughout the project, with more than 40 island businesses already involved in its supply chain.
More than 200 local jobs are currently being supported through construction and associated housing activity, while over 70 apprenticeship and trainee opportunities are expected.
RJ McLeod’s construction package alone is forecast to generate approximately £16 million in local spending.
Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said:
“Breaking ground on the Lewis Hub is a hugely significant moment for the project and for the Western Isles.
“A direct connection between the Western Isles and the main GB transmission network has been an ambition for decades.
“Through the Lewis Hub and wider Western Isles Connection, we are now turning that ambition into reality, unlocking the islands’ vast renewable energy potential and strengthening the electricity network for generations to come.
“But our ambition is about much more than delivering new infrastructure.
“We want this investment to create a lasting legacy for the islands, supporting local infrastructure, developing skills and creating opportunities for local businesses, while working with key partners to find mutually beneficial solutions that support long-term economic growth.
“I’d like to thank the local community for their support and engagement throughout the development of the project, and everyone who has taken the time to speak to us and share their views. We look forward to continuing that relationship as construction progresses.”
Robert van Beek, Managing Director of RJ McLeod, said:
“RJ McLeod is delighted to be working with SSEN Transmission to deliver the first phase of the Lewis Hub Western Isles Link, a project of national importance that will support both the energy transition and the UK’s long-term energy security.
“For more than half a century, we have worked across the Western Isles, building strong and enduring relationships within local communities and with regional businesses.
“We look forward to working in partnership with them once again to successfully deliver this significant project for SSEN Transmission.”
The investment is already reaching businesses across the islands, from construction suppliers and transport operators to accommodation providers and local contractors.
Ian A. MacIver, Director of I.A. & C. Maciver Ltd, said:
“As a locally based business, we’re delighted to be involved in the Lewis Hub project.
“Our work on site is supporting six to eight full-time jobs, while giving us the confidence to invest in our business, develop our capabilities and create opportunities for people to build careers in construction.
“The Lewis Hub is a significant investment for the Western Isles, and involving local businesses will help ensure its benefits are felt across our communities through local employment, skills development and a stronger local economy.”
For Hebfence Ltd, the development has already become an important source of work.
Company founder Dan Maggs said:
“Being involved in the Lewis Hub project has been a fantastic opportunity for HebFence.
“We were the first contractor on site and have now installed around 7,000 metres of fencing, with our involvement set to continue as the project progresses.
“The work we’ve secured through the project has helped us grow to a team of four and invest in new equipment, giving us a really strong foundation for the future.
“Last year alone, work from the Lewis Hub accounted for around 45% of our total workload, which shows the difference a project of this scale can make to small local businesses.”
The benefits are also being felt beyond construction, with the additional activity supporting businesses traditionally dependent on seasonal visitors.
John Cunningham, Director of Adventra, which operates Car Hire Hebrides, said:
“The Lewis Hub project has provided a very welcome boost to the Outer Hebrides economy at a time when many local businesses have faced a challenging few years.
“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in business travel through the airport as a result of the project and regularly provide vehicles for contractors working locally.
“We’ve traditionally been a seasonal business, but the activity generated by the Lewis Hub has helped us sustain our operations throughout the year. It’s great to see investment of this scale creating opportunities for local businesses like ours.”
For young islanders, the opportunities to develop careers without leaving home are another important part of the investment.
Eilidh MacKenzie, Safety Officer at SSEN Transmission, said:
“I’ve always had a real passion for safety, so the opportunity to contribute to a major project like the Lewis Hub really appealed to me.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help build a positive safety culture, make sure everyone goes home safe each day, and play a part in such an important project here in the Western Isles.”
Katie MacKenzie, a Trainee Quantity Surveyor with Balfour Beatty, said:
“Growing up here, it means a lot to start my career on a major project in my home area.
“I’m gaining valuable hands-on experience and learning from experienced people every day, while playing a part in delivering infrastructure that will benefit the local community.
“It’s great to develop my career while contributing to something that will have a lasting impact on Lewis.”
The wider programme is also supporting new housing at Melbost West and Stornoway Airport, alongside refurbishment of the Caledonian Hotel.
SSEN Transmission has committed £3.4 million towards improvements to Arnish Road, while a £1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund is expected to launch soon.
Further community benefit funding associated with proposed transmission projects could bring the total to more than £5 million, subject to those developments receiving consent and progressing.
Councillor Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, welcomed the investment.
“Groundbreaking at the Lewis Hub project is a significant and welcome milestone for the project.
“Major renewable developments have the potential to bring significant and lasting investment to our islands which will be made possible thanks to the 1.8GW interconnector and associated infrastructure.
“It is particularly welcome that this project is already bringing an economic boost to our islands with the use of local subcontractors and the direct employment of apprentices and professionals.
“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will continue to work to ensure that the significant investment in energy infrastructure on our islands sees real benefits for those that live here and the services that they rely on.”
The Lewis Hub represents a substantial investment in connecting the islands’ renewable energy resources to the wider electricity network, but its lasting significance will also depend on how much of that investment remains within the Western Isles.
For local businesses, workers and young people seeking opportunities closer to home, those benefits are already beginning to take shape.
