Orkney Islands Council is collaborating with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks – Transmission (SSEN-T) on an innovative scheme to tackle the significant number of empty homes on Mainland Orkney. The initiative aims to provide much-needed accommodation for SSEN-T management staff working on the critical Orkney-Caithness Transmission Link Project, while simultaneously revitalising vacant housing stock.

Under the scheme, SSEN-T offers financial support, up to £25,000, to homeowners to bring long-term empty properties back up to a habitable standard. In return, SSEN-T secures a reduced rental for its management staff working on the transmission link project, recovering the upfront investment over the lease term. A commercial lease is offered until summer 2028, with rent inclusive of household bills.

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The programme has already seen two empty homes successfully brought back into use, with more properties currently in the pipeline. SSEN-T is now actively looking to expand the scheme and encourage more empty home owners to participate. This push is particularly relevant given that, according to the National Records of Scotland, Orkney has the third highest level of vacant dwellings in Scotland, with an estimated 6.3% of its housing stock lying empty.

SSEN-T is seeking 1-2 bedroom homes on Mainland Orkney that have been empty for at least six months and can be brought back into use by no later than 1 February 2026. While homeowners are responsible for property maintenance, the Council’s Development and Empty Homes Officer, Rachael Batty, can provide advice and information to assist.

Owners of eligible properties interested in participating are encouraged to contact Rachael Batty at [email protected], providing their property address, number of bedrooms, and estimated renovation costs and timescales.