SSEN Transmission has advised its contractor, GE Verona/Sodexo, to withdraw a planning application for a proposed temporary accommodation village near Broadford in Skye. The facility was intended to support the construction workforce involved in building the Skye Reinforcement Project.

The decision was made following significant feedback from the local community regarding the proposed location on Torrin Road. SSEN Transmission has stated it is now working closely with its contractor to identify a more suitable alternative site. Any new proposal will be subject to a full community consultation once a location is confirmed.

Simon Johnstone, Lead Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: "We've listened carefully to the community's feedback and, as a result, have asked our contractor to withdraw the planning application for Torrin Road.

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"We're grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. We're now actively exploring alternative locations that will meet our contractor's accommodation needs while minimising any impact on the local community.

"Once a new site is identified, we'll engage with the local community to seek their input on updated plans. This reflects our ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with the community as we deliver the Skye Reinforcement Project."

The Skye Reinforcement Project is a major infrastructure upgrade, essential for maintaining network reliability and security of supply for homes and businesses in Skye and the Western Isles.

The project involves upgrading the high-voltage electricity network between Ardmore on the Isle of Skye and Fort Augustus. The existing single-circuit 132kV overhead line, which dates back to the 1950s and is nearing the end of its life, will be replaced with a new double-circuit line.

The new line will use steel lattice towers of similar height and design to the existing infrastructure and, while the voltage remains the same, will offer increased capacity to enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation.

The scope of works includes:

• Approximately 160km of overhead line replacement.

• 24km of underground cable installation.

• Substation upgrades at Dunvegan and Fort Augustus.

• Substation extensions at Edinbane and Broadford.

The project is part of SSEN Transmission's wider £22bn investment programme in electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland.