SSEN Transmission has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for the redevelopment of the Stornoway Grid Supply Point (GSP), formally beginning the pre-application consultation process with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

The PAN confirms a public consultation at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway, on Thursday 20 August, from 4-7pm, giving residents and stakeholders a chance to view the emerging design and provide feedback ahead of a full planning application later this year.

A red line boundary published with the PAN identifies an overall area where temporary and permanent works, along with peat management activities, could take place. The final construction footprint will be much smaller, occupying up to 5% of this boundary area.

This stage follows initial engagement earlier in the year on proposals for a site between the existing GSP and the Lochside Arena, off the A859 south of Marybank.

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The upgraded GSP would connect to the separate Lewis Hub via new grid transformers and underground cables, creating the local link between new transmission infrastructure and homes and businesses across the island. Together, the projects are intended to improve security of supply for communities and support the expansion of renewable energy generation. SSEN Transmission is also assessing potential future uses for the current GSP site.

Lyle Cairns, SSEN Transmission Project Manager, said: "We are pleased to have submitted our Proposal of Application Notice for the Stornoway GSP redevelopment, marking an important step forward in the development of the project that will strengthen the local electricity network and support the growth of clean energy generation in the Western Isles.

"At this stage, it is important to stress that the red line boundary shown in our submission to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar does not represent the final construction area or the footprint of the permanent infrastructure, which will be significantly smaller. Instead it identifies the wider area required for potential associated development activity, primarily peat management.

"We are committed to working closely with the local community as we develop our proposals, and we encourage anyone with an interest to attend the first of our pre-application consultation events on 20 August to find out more and share their feedback."