Early works starting for project that will link Western Isles to UK transmission network

June 1, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Early works to support the installation of the mainland underground cable section of the 1.8 GW power transmission link that will connect the Scottish Western Isles to the UK national electricity transmission network for the first time are set to begin on June 8.

The Western Isles HVDC Link will consist of approximately 83 kilometers of underground cable and 81 kilometers of subsea cable, connecting SSEN Transmission’s Lewis Hub HVDC converter station and AC substation on the Isle of Lewis to the mainland.

Highlands-based contractor RJ McLeod will carry out the early works which will focus on preparing the route between Dundonnell and Beauly before the main construction later this year. In the coming weeks, works taking place as part of permitted development activity will include access provision, improving local tracks to support cable installation, establishing temporary working compounds, and undertaking specific tree felling.

“These early works, taking place under permitted development, are an important early step in delivering the mainland underground cable section of the Western Isles HVDC Link,” said Niall Macleod, Project Director for SSEN Transmission.

“We are also pleased that this phase of the project will be delivered by local contractors, supporting jobs and economic activity in line with our commitment as the first organisation to sign the Highland Social Value Charter.”

The project is a key component of SSEN Transmission’s planned £22 billion investment program to upgrade the north of Scotland’s electricity transmission grid. The Scottish Government Marine Directorate at the beginning of 2026 granted the variation to the existing marine license, approved in 2021, for the subsea cable link, greenlighting the needed increase in capacity.

Hitachi Energy will deliver the HVDC converter stations for the project, with NKT delivering the power cable system.