SSEN Transmission is seeking input on the proposed development of the Harris to Stornoway overhead electricity line, which will replace the current electricity line along the route with an improved transmission link.

The existing 132kV overhead line between Harris and Stornoway is routed through both the Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis and is part of the Western Isles circuit that runs from Fort Augustus to Stornoway, via a distribution subsea cable between Skye and Harris. The current overhead wooden pole line from Harris to Lewis was constructed in 1990 and consists of a single circuit that runs for approximately 58km.

The location of the line is very susceptible to storm damage brought in by high winds and needs replacement. The project aims to upgrade the network in the area and improve network reliability by reducing the risk of a transmission related fault.

The proposed project involves the construction of an offline 132kV overhead wooden pole trident line between the Harris Grid Supply Point and Stornoway substation, replacing the existing single pole trident design with a more robust "H" trident wooden pole line. The new overhead line will largely follow the same route as the existing overhead line, which will be dismantled and removed upon energisation of the replacement line.

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Members of the public are invited to share their views on the proposals at in-person public exhibitions on the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday 7 June at Kinloch Community Hub in Balallan between 3-7pm

• Wednesday 8 June at Tarbert Community Centre between 3-7pm

• Thursday 9 June at Caladh Inn in Stornoway between 3-7pm

The events are an open-door drop-in session for anyone interested in learning more about the project.

Steven Miller, SSEN Transmission Project Manager, said: "The proposed Stornoway to Harris overhead line replacement project will allow us to upgrade the existing 132kV connection in the area with new wooden poles which are more resilient during high winds and storms, allowing a more robust network and reducing the risk of faults.

"As a responsible developer, we are committed to working with the local community as we continue to develop our proposals and we would encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more about our plans to drop in to one our face-to-face sessions in Balallan, Tarbert or Stornoway to learn more."

To find out more about the project visit:www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/harris-stornoway-132kv-ohl

Separately, work to progress a 600MW HVDC connection to the Western Isles continues, which remains subject to developer commitment and Ofgem approval. This project will include a new HVDC Convertor Station and substation at Arnish, with public consultation on this planned on Tuesday 21 June at the Cabarfeidh Hotel from 3pm-7pm.