SSEN Transmission is inviting views on its plans for a new electricity switching station in Lewis, designed to connect new renewable energy to the wider transmission network and improve local network reliability.

The company is holding two public consultation events in August to share information on the proposed Balallan 132kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Switching Station and the associated overhead line connection to the Muaitheabhal (Uisenis) Wind Farm.

The public consultation events will be held on Wednesday, 27 August, from 3pm to 7pm, at The Kinloch Historical Society Community Hub in Balallan, and on Thursday, 28 August, from 3pm to 7pm, at The Resource Centre in Kershader.

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The proposed switching station, which is located off the A859 near Loch Stranndabhat, would provide a connection to the wind farm via underground cable and a new single circuit 132kV steel trident pole overhead line. It will also connect to the existing Harris – Stornoway 132kV overhead line and the proposed Lewis Hub 132kV substation.

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) has been submitted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, outlining the temporary development area for the project, which will include landscaping to minimise its visual impact.

Lyle Cairns, Project Manager from SSEN Transmission, said: "The proposed Balallan Switching Station will enable the connection of Muaitheabhal (Uisenis) Wind Farm and help manage the flow of power, allowing new renewable energy to be safely and efficiently delivered to the GB transmission grid. We are looking forward to presenting our plans and would encourage anyone who is interested to come along and speak to our project team."