SSEN Transmission has officially broken ground on its Lewis Hub project at Arnish Moor near Stornoway, marking the move into main construction and a major milestone towards delivering the Western Isles' first direct electricity transmission link to mainland Great Britain.

The Lewis Hub, which comprises a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station and an AC substation, is a central element of the wider Western Isles Connection. Once in service, the connection will enable up to 1.8GW of renewable generation to feed into the national transmission network, while enhancing long-term resilience and security of supply across the islands.

The ceremony on Thursday 5 November brought together project partners, elected representatives and stakeholders at the site, followed by a reception at the Cabarfeidh Hotel highlighting the scheme and its broader benefits.

Progress to the main build follows Highlands-based civil engineering contractor RJ McLeod signing a contract for the first major package to prepare the site for the converter station, substation and related infrastructure. As the programme advances, Balfour Beatty, Linxon, Hitachi Energy and NKT will work alongside SSEN Transmission to deliver core components of the scheme.

Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: "Breaking ground on the Lewis Hub is a hugely significant moment for the project and for the Western Isles.

"A direct connection between the Western Isles and the main GB transmission network has been an ambition for decades. Through the Lewis Hub and wider Western Isles Connection, we are now turning that ambition into reality, unlocking the islands' vast renewable energy potential and strengthening the electricity network for generations to come.

"But our ambition is about much more than delivering new infrastructure. We want this investment to create a lasting legacy for the islands, supporting local infrastructure, developing skills and creating opportunities for local businesses, while working with key partners to find mutually beneficial solutions that support long-term economic growth.

"I'd like to thank the local community for their support and engagement throughout the development of the project, and everyone who has taken the time to speak to us and share their views. We look forward to continuing that relationship as construction progresses."

Robert van Beek, Managing Director of RJ McLeod, said: "RJ McLeod is delighted to be working with SSEN Transmission to deliver the first phase of the Lewis Hub Western Isles Link, a project of national importance that will support both the energy transition and the UK's long-term energy security.

"For more than half a century, we have worked across the Western Isles, building strong and enduring relationships within local communities and with regional businesses. We look forward to working in partnership with them once again to successfully deliver this significant project for SSEN Transmission."

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Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: "Groundbreaking at the Lewis Hub project is a significant and welcome milestone for the project.

"Major renewable developments have the potential to bring significant and lasting investment to our islands which will be made possible thanks to the 1.8GW interconnector and associated infrastructure. It is particularly welcome that this project is already bringing an economic boost to our islands with the use of local subcontractors and the direct employment of apprentices and professionals.

"Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will continue to work to ensure that the significant investment in energy infrastructure on our islands sees real benefits for those that live here and the services that they rely on."

SSEN Transmission is targeting £125 million of spending with local companies over the life of the project. More than 40 Western Isles businesses are already involved across construction, housing, transport, accommodation and wider services, with over 200 local jobs supported so far. RJ McLeod's package alone is expected to generate around £16 million of local expenditure through accommodation, transport, materials, plant hire and subcontracting.

Ian A. MacIver, Director of construction materials company I.A. & C. Maciver Ltd, said: "As a locally based business, we're delighted to be involved in the Lewis Hub project. Our work on site is supporting six to eight full-time jobs, while giving us the confidence to invest in our business, develop our capabilities and create opportunities for people to build careers in construction.

"The Lewis Hub is a significant investment for the Western Isles, and involving local businesses will help ensure its benefits are felt across our communities through local employment, skills development and a stronger local economy."

Dan Maggs, founder of fencing contractor Hebfence Ltd, said: "Being involved in the Lewis Hub project has been a fantastic opportunity for HebFence. We were the first contractor on site and have now installed around 7,000 metres of fencing, with our involvement set to continue as the project progresses.

"The work we've secured through the project has helped us grow to a team of four and invest in new equipment, giving us a really strong foundation for the future.

"Last year alone, work from the Lewis Hub accounted for around 45% of our total workload, which shows the difference a project of this scale can make to small local businesses."

John Cunningham, Director, Adventra (Car Hire Hebrides) said: "The Lewis Hub project has provided a very welcome boost to the Outer Hebrides economy at a time when many local businesses have faced a challenging few years.

"We've seen a noticeable increase in business travel through the airport as a result of the project and regularly provide vehicles for contractors working locally.

"We've traditionally been a seasonal business, but the activity generated by the Lewis Hub has helped us sustain our operations throughout the year. It's great to see investment of this scale creating opportunities for local businesses like ours."

The scheme is also set to support more than 70 apprenticeship and trainee roles, helping people gain skills and pursue long-term careers closer to home.

Eilidh MacKenzie, Safety Officer, SSEN Transmission, said: "I've always had a real passion for safety, so the opportunity to contribute to a major project like the Lewis Hub really appealed to me. It's incredibly rewarding to help build a positive safety culture, make sure everyone goes home safe each day, and play a part in such an important project here in the Western Isles."

Katie MacKenzie, Trainee Quantity Surveyor, Balfour Beatty, said: "Growing up here, it means a lot to start my career on a major project in my home area. I'm gaining valuable hands-on experience and learning from experienced people every day, while playing a part in delivering infrastructure that will benefit the local community. It's great to develop my career while contributing to something that will have a lasting impact on Lewis."

Beyond the construction site, the wider Lewis Hub programme is already backing new housing and local infrastructure. This includes homes at Melbost West with the Hebridean Housing Partnership and at Stornoway Airport with Tighean Innse Gall and CalMax Construction. O'Mac Construction is delivering works at Melbost West, while CalMax is leading construction at the airport site. SSEN Transmission has provided funding for initial works at Stornoway Airport and is discussing potential further funding for construction with Tighean Innse Gall and CalMax.

SSEN Transmission is also financing the refurbishment of the Caledonian Hotel and has committed £3.4 million to improvements to Arnish Road, enhancing access to the Deep Water Terminal and leaving a long-term infrastructure legacy in the Western Isles.

Community benefits will be further supported through dedicated funding. The £1.06 million Lewis Hub Local Fund is due to launch soon and, alongside future local funds tied to proposed transmission projects in the Western Isles, is expected to contribute more than £5 million, subject to consents and progression to main construction. In addition, communities across the Western Isles have already received £1.3 million from SSEN Transmission's Regional Fund, which continues to be available across the company's network in the north of Scotland, together with a newly launched Strategic Fund aimed at large-scale projects tackling fuel poverty and improving skills and employability.