Five vacant homes at Leathad na Sobhraig in Portree will be upgraded for staff working on SSEN Transmission's Skye Reinforcement Project, before being handed back to Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association (LSHA) for allocation to local tenants. The partner-funded scheme also includes wider improvements to the development's North and South blocks.

Under the plans, the five properties will undergo a full internal fit-out and be designated as accommodation for key project personnel during construction. Broader works to the blocks will include external fabric repairs, removal of cladding, structural enhancements and guttering upgrades, alongside improvements to shared areas.

The refurbished homes will be used temporarily to support delivery of the Skye Reinforcement Project, which replaces existing electricity infrastructure between Fort Augustus and Ardmore in Skye, including the overhead line between Fort Augustus and Skye. On completion of the project, all five upgraded flats will be returned to LSHA for letting to local residents.

The refurbishment is fully funded by SSEN Transmission and LSHA. The Scottish Government has supported the initiative by reviewing and approving the mechanism that enables the refurbishment and improvement works to proceed.

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LSHA is engaging local suppliers, with the refurbishment to be carried out by Raasay-based Torr Civils & Building LTD, which has experience across building, renovation and refurbishment projects throughout Skye and the Highlands. Work is due to begin in the coming weeks and is expected to take around four months.

Chris Bell, Project Director at SSEN Transmission, said: "The Skye Reinforcement Project will support local employment and bring workers to the island during construction. Working with Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association to refurbish these flats provides a practical, long-term solution that helps meet accommodation needs while delivering lasting improvements to existing housing stock in Portree.

"We're pleased to support a project that not only helps us deliver the infrastructure needed for Skye's future but also leaves a positive legacy for the local community."

Lowri Richards, LSHA Chief Executive, said: "The purchase and refurbishment of the five flats is an important step in supporting the long-term occupation and management of the entire Leathad na Sobhraig development.

"It will enable us to improve the overall condition, appearance and sustainability of both North and South blocks."

"Reserving the five refurbished flats for key workers is also an important step forward for the local community.

"We are very grateful for the support of SSEN Transmission in funding this project."

The initiative forms part of SSEN Transmission's wider commitment to support the delivery of 1,000 homes across the north of Scotland, helping to address local housing needs and provide accommodation for the workforce building critical electricity network infrastructure. The company will continue to work with LSHA and the local authority to identify further housing opportunities that aid the Skye Reinforcement Project and deliver long-term community benefits.

The Skye Reinforcement Project will strengthen the electricity network to enhance resilience and security of supply, while enabling the growth of clean power and progress towards net zero. As part of the works, substations at Edinbane and Broadford will be extended, with upgrades also planned at Fort Augustus Substation.