Early works start at Lewis Hub as plans progress for temporary worker village

• Ecological surveys taking place this week mark start of early works activity at Arnish Moor site
• Balfour Beatty submits application for temporary accommodation village at Willowgreen Road

SSEN Transmission will begin early preparatory activities associated with its Lewis Hub project from this week.

The activities are essential to ensure the safe and efficient progression of the development while minimising disruption to the local community.

The early works begin with ecological surveys to monitor nesting birds and other protected species. These surveys will continue throughout the project to ensure appropriate environmental safeguards are maintained.

Other activities that will take place in the coming weeks include:

• Installation of deer fencing around the proposed AC substation and converter station sites, creating a safe exclusion zone for ongoing survey work.
• Delivery of cabins to a temporary storage area. Subject to planning consent, these cabins will later be moved to a dedicated compound at Stornoway Deep Water Port, where they will support preparatory works and site operations once construction begins.
• Removal of invasive plant species.

Many of the activities will be undertaken by local contractors, supporting SSEN Transmission’s commitment to creating opportunities for businesses across the Western Isles and contributing to the local economy.

These preparatory works will inform the next stage of the consenting process, including applications for the approval of matters specified in planning conditions and the discharge of conditions attached to the planning permission in principle granted by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Meanwhile, principal contractor Balfour Beatty has submitted a planning application for a temporary workforce accommodation village in Stornoway to support construction of the Lewis Hub while protecting local housing, services, and the tourism economy. The proposed village, on part of the former Dormitory Site off Willowglen Road, would house up to 200 workers in modern modular, en‑suite units with on‑site catering, leisure and welfare facilities.

If approved, construction would begin in autumn 2026, with use planned from mid‑2027 to 2030. As part of its pledge to act as a good neighbour, Balfour Beatty will operate a clear worker code of conduct, 24/7 on‑site management, dedicated health services, recreation space, and opportunities for local businesses and training.

Callum Wardrop, SSEN Transmission’s Project Director for the Lewis Hub, said:

“As part of our preparations for the development of the Lewis Hub site, we will be undertaking some essential activity in readiness for enabling works, which we hope to begin in spring.

“While we do not expect the public to experience significant disruption as a result of this activity, we remain focused on minimising any impacts wherever possible.

“We continue to make good progress in preparing further submissions to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar with a view to commencing development at the site, and enabling works and main construction activity will only proceed once the relevant planning conditions have been satisfied.

“Meanwhile, we are working with our principal contractors to proactively plan accommodation for the Lewis Hub workforce. Balfour Beatty’s proposed temporary accommodation village is one part of this, alongside support for nearly 100 new homes near Stornoway Airport and investment to refurbish the Caledonian Hotel – measures that ease pressure on local housing while creating a positive legacy.”

George Young, Director of Operations at Balfour Beatty said:

“Throughout the development of our proposals for the temporary accommodation village, we have worked closely with the local community to ensure all views are fully understood and reflected in our plans.

“As we begin early preparatory works on the Lewis Hub we remain committed to contributing positively to the community and local businesses, leaving a lasting and positive legacy for the local area.”

Colin Maclean, Construction Director of principal contractor RJ McLeod added:

“We welcome the opportunity of being involved in the HVDC Connection works on Lewis and to continue working jointly with SSEN Transmission and their partners, local suppliers and the local community.”

Notes to editors

Balfour Beatty’s planning application for the Temporary Accommodation Village is expected to appear on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s online planning portal in the coming days.

In addition to the start of early works at the Lewis Hub site, progress has also been made in preparing the project’s detailed design, with Linxon appointed to deliver the AC substation package, including detailed design and procurement of specialised equipment. The company has committed to engaging with regional businesses and supporting local employment as part of the project’s delivery.

About the Lewis Hub

The Lewis Hub is a major clean energy project that will connect the Western Isles to the Great Britain transmission network for the first time, delivering economic benefits locally and supporting national energy security and clean power targets.

Planning consent has been granted by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar following more than two years of development and engagement by SSEN Transmission, which will construct an HVDC converter station and AC substation near Stornoway.

The Lewis Hub forms part of the Western Isles HVDC Connection Project, creating a subsea and underground link to the proposed Fanellan substation near Beauly and enabling up to 1.8GW of new renewable generation, unlocking the islands’ long-standing renewable energy potential.

About SSEN Transmission

Headquartered in Perth - with offices in Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow - SSEN Transmission is responsible for the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, investing in and maintaining the high voltage 132kV, 220kV, 275kV and 400kV electricity transmission network.

SSEN Transmission’s strategic objective is to enable the transition to a low carbon economy, helping to secure the country's clean power and energy security ambitions. It does this by building the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to connect and transport renewable electricity in the north of Scotland to the towns, villages and cities where it's needed, as it delivers a network for net zero emissions.

SSEN Transmission is owned 75% by SSE plc and 25% by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (Ontario Teachers’).

Learn more about SSEN Transmission by visiting www.ssen-transmission.co.uk, LinkedIn or Instagram.