SSEN Transmission has begun early preparatory activities for its Lewis Hub project this week at the Arnish Moor site, starting with ecological surveys to monitor nesting birds and other protected species.

The work aims to support safe, efficient progress while keeping disruption for local residents to a minimum.

The ecological surveys will continue throughout the project to ensure environmental safeguards are upheld. In the coming weeks, teams will install deer fencing around the proposed AC substation and converter station sites to create a safe exclusion zone for survey work; deliver cabins to a temporary storage area; subject to planning consent, the cabins will later be moved to a dedicated compound at Stornoway Deep Water Port to support preparatory works and site operations once construction begins; and remove invasive plant species.

Many of these tasks will be carried out by local contractors, reflecting SSEN Transmission’s commitment to creating opportunities across the Western Isles and contributing to the local economy.

The preparatory programme will help 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.

-- Advertisement --

In parallel, 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. Proposed for part of the former Dormitory Site off Willowglen Road, the village would accommodate up to 200 workers in modern modular, en‑suite units with on‑site catering, leisure and welfare facilities.

If approved, construction would start in autumn 2026, with use planned from mid‑2027 to 2030. As part of its good‑neighbour approach, Balfour Beatty would operate a clear worker code of conduct, provide 24/7 on‑site management and dedicated health services, and offer recreation space as well as 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."