SSEN Transmission is working with Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association (LSHA) to assess a new site at Kiltaraglen, near Portree, for temporary workforce accommodation to support the Skye Reinforcement project and deliver a lasting local benefit.

Kiltaraglen has already been identified by LSHA for future housing. By hosting temporary accommodation there, SSEN Transmission could fund and install early-stage essential works—such as access roads, drainage and utility connection points—that would remain once the temporary units are removed. Retaining this infrastructure would help accelerate the delivery of permanent homes by cutting construction timelines and significantly reducing overall development costs for LSHA.

A public consultation will take place in the coming months to present the proposals for Kiltaraglen. Local residents and stakeholders will be able to view the plans, ask questions and share feedback, which will inform SSEN Transmission's final approach ahead of any planning application.

The move to consider Kiltaraglen follows the company's withdrawal of a previous planning application for temporary accommodation on the road to Torrin at Broadford, after listening to concerns raised by the local community.

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SSEN Transmission says it remains committed to working collaboratively with communities across Skye as the project advances, managing activity sensitively while delivering vital upgrades to Scotland's electricity network.

Earlier this month, SSEN Transmission and LSHA also announced a partnership to refurbish five flats in Portree to bring them back into use as staff accommodation, providing a further boost to local housing.

Chris Bell, Project Director for SSEN Transmission, said: "Working with Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association allows us to explore an approach that not only supports the delivery of the Skye Reinforcement project but also helps accelerate the delivery of future permanent homes in Portree. We need a suitable location to safely and responsibly accommodate our workforce, and by working together we have the opportunity to deliver infrastructure that can be reused, reducing costs and helping future housing come forward more quickly. We've listened to local feedback throughout the development of this project, and the upcoming public information event will be a vital part of shaping any future plans. We will continue to work with the community as this project develops."

David Clapham, Chair of Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association, said: "We are exploring with SSEN Transmission the possibility of temporary accommodation being erected at our Kiltaraglen site. This would be totally dependent, of course, on the appropriate planning permission being granted. Our Business Plan contains proposals to seek planning permission for permanent housing in the south end of the Kiltaraglen site in 2028-29. If the temporary accommodation proposal in the north part of the site does go forward, it would not in any way hinder or delay our Phase 1 plan to build 25 affordable homes. Very importantly, our commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing in Portree and beyond would benefit enormously by SSEN Transmission's offer to fund and complete the essential infrastructure work required for the development of the entire site. In addition, the rental income we would receive over four or five years would supplement the general income stream that funds the quality services we provide to our tenants and factored homeowners."