A groundbreaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of work on a key element of the project to deliver the Western Isles’ first direct electricity transmission connection to mainland Britain.
Work is underway on the build of the Lewis Hub, which will forma. central part of the wider Western Isles connection and comprise a HVDC converter station and AC substation. Once operational, the connection will enable up to 1.8GW of renewable electricity generation to connect to the national transmission network, while strengthening the long-term resilience and security of electricity supplies in the islands.
RJ McLeod is delivering the first major package of construction works that will prepare the site for the HVDC converter station, AC substation, and associated infrastructure. As construction progresses, Balfour Beatty, Linxon, Hitachi Energy, and NKT will work alongside SSEN Transmission to deliver key elements of the wider programme.
The groundbreaking event brought together project partners, elected representatives, and key stakeholders at Arnish Moor, near Stornoway. The event was followed by a stakeholder reception at the Cabarfeidh Hotel showcasing the project and its wider benefits.
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, RJ McLeod MD, added, “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.”
SSEN Transmission is targeting £125 million of spend with local businesses over the lifetime of the project, with more than 40 local businesses already engaged in the supply chain across construction, housing, transport, accommodation and other services. More than 200 local jobs are already being supported through Lewis Hub-related construction and housing activity. RJ McLeod’s package alone is forecast to generate around £16 million of local spend, including through accommodation, transport, materials, plant hire and subcontracting.
Ian A. MacIver, director of construction materials company I.A. & C. Maciver Ltd, commented, “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.”
Dan Maggs, founder of fencing contractor Hebfence Ltd, 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.”
John Cunningham, director at Adventra (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.”
The project is also expected to support more than 70 apprenticeship and trainee opportunities, helping people develop skills and build long-term careers in the islands.
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, trainee quantity surveyor at Balfour Beatty, commented, “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 Lewis Hub programme is already delivering significant investment in housing, accommodation and local infrastructure. This includes new housing at Melbost West, in partnership with Hebridean Housing Partnership and at Stornoway Airport, where Tighean Innse Gall and local firm CalMax Construction are progressing plans for new homes.
Local firm O’Mac Construction is delivering the works at Melbost West, while CalMax is carrying out construction at the airport site. SSEN Transmission has provided funding for initial works at Stornoway Airport and is in discussions with Tighean Innse Gall and CalMax about potentially providing further funding towards construction.
SSEN Transmission is also funding the refurbishment of the Caledonian Hotel and has committed £3.4 million towards improvements to Arnish Road, helping improve access to the Deep Water Terminal and leaving a lasting infrastructure legacy for the Western Isles.
