SSEN Transmission has announced the relocation of a temporary construction compound in the Contin area after listening to concerns raised by the local community. The facility is required to support the installation of the underground cable section of the Western Isles HVDC Link.

The decision to move the compound to a new site, situated to the east of the originally proposed location at Kinellan, follows a series of consultation sessions, including a public event held in Contin last December. The developer stated that the change highlights their commitment to minimising local impact during the infrastructure project.

In collaboration with local contractors RJ McLeod, SSEN Transmission will establish the temporary site once final discussions with landowners are concluded. Precise details of the new location are expected to be released in the next few weeks.

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Preliminary works are scheduled to commence in early February, followed by the start of major earthworks in the middle of the month. The project team has confirmed that any necessary tree-felling will be overseen by specialist personnel to manage the safe movement of machinery and ensure that access to core public pathways remains open and safe.

Niall Macleod, Project Director for SSEN Transmission, said: “We are committed to working with the local community and our partners to ensure this mainland cable section of the Western Isles HVDC Link is delivered safely and responsibly.

"The relocation of the temporary compound came as a direct result of feedback during recent consultation events, and demonstrates our willingness to respond to concerns and reduce disruption while allowing the project to progress.

"We remain committed to open and transparent communication throughout the construction of the mainland cable connection, and will continue to provide timely updates as works progress. Our dedicated project inbox remains open for any questions or feedback, and we encourage anyone who wishes to get in touch to do so.”