SSEN Transmission has partnered with The Highland Council to bring 18 long-term empty homes in Wick back into use.
The move comes as part of the organisation’s pledge to deliver 1,000 homes across its north of Scotland transmission area to help alleviate the region’s housing challenges whilst it upgrades the electricity grid.
Workers’ accommodation will be required to deliver the grid projects, should they be consented, and SSEN Transmission is aiming to create a legacy in the communities that will host its workforce by delivering housing to support local need when the projects are completed.
In Wick, a total of 18 properties located in the town’s Wellington Street and Nicolson Street, which have been long-term vacant, are set to be brought back into use as modern, energy-efficient homes.
Led by SSEN Transmission – which is investing more than £1 million to bring the Wick properties up to a high standard – the project focuses on delivering high-quality, sustainable refurbishments that meet current energy efficiency standards – helping to reduce carbon emissions while improving living conditions.
The properties will undergo modernisation, which includes the installation of new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems and windows to ensure they achieve high standards of comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
The refurbishment works will be delivered by GMR Henderson Builders Ltd, a contractor based in Wick with over 30 years’ experience across building, renovation and refurbishment projects throughout the Highlands. Chartered building surveyors, Martin Associates, is supporting and overseeing delivery of works. The refurbishment project is expected to commence on-site in early 2026.
Initially, the refurbished homes will be used to accommodate SSEN Transmission workers, for the delivery of proposed major infrastructure project in the area over the coming years – including the Banniskirk Hub, which involves a new Spittal area 400kV substation and HVDC converter station, and the Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly 400kV overhead line. This temporary use ensures the properties are put to immediate and practical use, supporting local economic activities.
Sandy Mactaggart, director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission, said, “We are committed to delivering a positive legacy in Caithness from the grid upgrades needed to achieve energy security and clean power for the country, and permanent housing is a key part of that. As the first business to sign up to the Highland Social Value Charter, today’s announcement for Wick shows how our commitments are being turned into bricks and mortar.
“Communities in Caithness and across the north of Scotland need good quality jobs to help sustain people and families in their local communities, and homes for them to live in. Upgrading the region’s electricity grid will help deliver both of these vital objectives. A lack of housing for local people is a big issue in many of the communities we serve, and our housing strategy demonstrates how we are working in partnership to develop imaginative proposals that will deliver new homes and can act as a template for other developers.”
Raymond Bremner, The Highland Council leader, added, “Our Highland Social Value Charter is about ensuring that all areas of the Highlands benefit fully from the opportunities presented by renewable energy investment. Should developments get the go ahead, we want developers to build in a lasting legacy for our communities. Bringing long-term empty homes in Wick back into use is a positive step, and by making this agreement it strengthens ambitions to deliver more homes and meet the region’s housing challenge.”
