SSEN Distribution has finished installing and energising five new subsea power cables linking Scotland's islands and coastal areas ahead of winter, delivering its biggest single-year subsea programme to date.

The £38 million works included new links between Mull and Iona, Coll and Tiree, and Kilmalieu and Loch a 'Choire, alongside a replacement for a faulted cable connecting Mainland Shetland to Yell. The project was carefully scheduled for a narrow summer weather window, with constant monitoring of tides, followed by extensive testing to verify the integrity and reliability of the new assets.

The company said the upgrades form part of a rolling maintenance and inspection plan to identify and prioritise renewals. They are also designed to support rising electricity demand as more households and businesses adopt low-carbon heating, electric vehicles and local generation. Local authorities and community councils were briefed before and during installation to address questions and minimise disruption.

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Kevin Galbraith, Subsea Cables Project Director, said: "We're proud of the role we play in powering some of Scotland's most remote island communities. This year's programme of replacement and upgrade works not only strengthens the security of the electricity supply for homes and businesses, it also ensures that our network can accommodate both existing and future energy demands."

The installations were delivered with specialist contractor Briggs Marine. Craig English, Operations Director at Briggs Marine, said: "Working collaboratively with SSEN Distribution on the 2025 subsea cable installation programme has provided the opportunity to showcase the depth and range of marine expertise Briggs Marine has to offer. Safely overcoming weather challenges, including Storm Floris, gave us pause for thought at certain points throughout the programme. However, we were delighted to see the fifth and final cable energised, marking the end to a safe and successful installation campaign"

Dr Rupert Ormonde, Secretary, Isle of Mull Community Council, added: "We've welcomed the ongoing engagement from SSEN Distribution regarding the subsea cable replacement project connecting Mull to Iona. They've kept us informed about what to expect during the whole process. We were also reassured to learn of the extensive marine and environmental surveys carried out ahead of the works."