Lewis Hub starts main construction for 1.8GW Western Isles link

SSEN Transmission has moved the Lewis Hub into main construction, beginning a build intended to enable up to 1.8GW of renewable electricity from the Western Isles to connect to Great Britain’s national transmission network.

SSEN held the official groundbreaking on Thursday, November 5 at the Lewis Hub site at Arnish Moor near Stornoway, then hosted project partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders at a reception at the Cabarfeidh Hotel. The ceremony moves the project beyond initial site preparation and into its main construction phase.

What will the Lewis Hub connect?

The project comprises a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station and an AC substation, forming the central part of the wider Western Isles Connection. Once operational, the link will allow up to 1.8GW of renewable generation to connect to the national transmission network and strengthen the islands’ long-term electricity supply resilience and security.

Highlands-based civil engineering contractor RJ McLeod signed a contract this week for the first major construction package, covering site preparation for the HVDC converter station, AC substation and associated infrastructure. Balfour Beatty, Linxon, Hitachi Energy and NKT will work with SSEN Transmission on other key program elements as construction advances.

SSEN Transmission Director of Offshore Delivery Sandy Mactaggart said: “Breaking ground on the Lewis Hub is a hugely significant moment for the project and for the Western Isles.” He described a direct connection as an island ambition spanning decades and said the works should unlock renewable potential while leaving local infrastructure, skills and business opportunities behind.

Mactaggart also said SSEN would seek mutually beneficial solutions with partners that support long-term economic growth. He thanked residents for their support and engagement throughout the project’s development.

RJ McLeod Managing Director Robert van Beek 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.”

Van Beek said the contractor’s more than half a century of work across the Western Isles had established relationships with local communities and regional businesses.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Convener Cllr Kenny Macleod called the groundbreaking a welcome milestone. He linked the 1.8GW interconnector and associated infrastructure to potential investment for the islands and highlighted local subcontractors, apprentices and professionals already benefiting. The council will continue pressing for visible community benefits and reliable local services.

How much local spending will the project support?

SSEN Transmission targets $125 million in lifetime spending with local businesses, with more than 40 local suppliers already engaged across construction, housing, transport, accommodation and other services. Lewis Hub construction and housing activity supports more than 200 local jobs. RJ McLeod forecasts about $16 million in local spending from its package through accommodation, transport, materials, plant hire and subcontracting.

I.A. & C. Maciver Director Ian A. MacIver said the company’s site work supports six to eight full-time positions, more than fencing contractor Hebfence’s entire four-person team. He said participation gave the local firm confidence to invest in its capabilities and create construction careers while directing benefits across the community.

Hebfence founder Dan Maggs said his company worked first on site and has installed about 7,000 metres of fencing, with more work ahead. The contract helped Hebfence grow to four staff and buy new equipment; Lewis Hub work represented roughly 45% of the company’s total workload last year.

Adventra (Car Hire Hebrides) Director John Cunningham said the project has increased contractor travel through Stornoway Airport and demand for his vehicles. He said project activity has helped his traditionally seasonal operation sustain activity throughout the year during a difficult period for local businesses.

How will the project build skills?

The project is expected to support more than 70 apprenticeship and trainee opportunities.

SSEN safety officer Eilidh MacKenzie said her role would support a positive safety culture and ensure workers return home safely. Balfour Beatty trainee quantity surveyor Katie MacKenzie said local hands-on work gives her experience with senior colleagues while building a career in her home area and delivering infrastructure for Lewis.

Where are the housing and community investments?

Housing work under the wider program includes Melbost West, where SSEN partners with Hebridean Housing Partnership and local contractor O’Mac Construction, and homes at Stornoway Airport, where Tighean Innse Gall and local firm CalMax Construction are progressing plans. SSEN funded initial airport works and is discussing further construction funding with Tighean Innse Gall and CalMax.

SSEN also funds Caledonian Hotel refurbishment and has committed $3.4 million to Arnish Road improvements serving Deep Water Terminal access. Its $1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund is due to launch soon.

Together with future funds tied to proposed Western Isles transmission projects, the Local Fund is expected to contribute to more than $5 million in community benefits, but that total depends on relevant projects securing consent and reaching main construction. Communities have already received $1.3 million through SSEN’s Regional Fund, which will continue across the company’s northern Scotland network area.

The company has also launched a Strategic Fund for large projects addressing fuel poverty and improving skills and employability.

What gates the next funding milestone?

The next gating milestone is delivery of the main works: RJ McLeod must prepare the converter and substation sites while Balfour Beatty, Linxon, Hitachi Energy and NKT advance their packages. Any community-benefit expansion beyond the $1.06 million Local Fund also waits for the proposed Western Isles transmission projects to secure consent and enter main construction. Without those approvals, the larger benefit pool does not unlock.