The veteran-owned company, staffed by former military combat medics, delivers on-site emergency care during working hours for teams installing the mainland cable between Dundonnell and Beauly.

Backed by SSEN Transmission and contractor RJ McLeod, Spark Medical Ltd has joined GoodSAM, the volunteer app that helps strengthen medical response in areas where geography and distance can delay help.

Earlier this year, an on-site medic was deployed to a serious road traffic collision involving a cyclist on the A832 near Dundonnell. RJ McLeod paused site operations so the medic could attend, despite off-site emergencies normally falling outside working protocols. The medic reached the scene within minutes and began treatment ahead of ambulance crews.

The cyclist sustained a serious arm injury with internal bleeding, and the rapid intervention was credited with preventing a more severe outcome. Attending ambulance crews praised the swift support.

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Through GoodSAM, the team has already provided more than 100 hours of out-of-hours community availability and has developed strong links with local NHS, fire and rescue, and mountain rescue teams to improve coordination.

Spark Medical Ltd is now exploring further community contributions, including first aid and wider training sessions.

Ieuan Gittings, Head of Service for Scotland for Spark Medical Ltd, said: "We're set up to provide high-quality emergency care in remote and challenging environments and that's why we have signed up to the GoodSam app, which allows us to provide additional medical support outside our core on-site responsibilities.

"The recent incident involving an injured cyclist shows the real difference that early, on-the-ground medical support can make in remote areas, and we were glad to play our part in ensuring a less serious outcome.

"We've also had great engagement with local NHS teams, fire and rescue and mountain rescue, and we're keen to build on that. Looking ahead, we're exploring how we can do more locally, including offering first aid training and sharing our expertise with the community."

Niall Macleod, Project Director for SSEN Transmission, said: "Safety is our top priority, and Spark Medical Ltd plays a vital role in supporting our workforce delivering the mainland cable section of the Western Isles HVDC Link.

"We're pleased to support their involvement in the GoodSAM scheme, enabling their highly skilled team to provide additional emergency assistance to local communities outside of working hours.

"As recent events show, their expertise and rapid response capability are making a real difference, supported by our contractors RJ McLeod. It's a strong example of how the project can deliver wider benefits beyond our core activities."