A hub project with a significant jobs boost
A ground-breaking ceremony on a major infrastructure project in Lewis was held last week, with island companies and organisations heralding the job opportunities created – with more expected further down the line.
The Lewis Hub converter station on Arnish moor, by SSEN Transmission, will enable up to 1.8GW of renewable electricity generation to connect to the national transmission network, while strengthening the long-term resilience and security of electricity supply.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the project’s progression from initial site preparation into main construction. Civil engineering contractor RJ McLeod will be responsible for delivering the first major package of construction works that will prepare the site. As construction progresses, Balfour Beatty, Linxon, Hitachi Energy and NKT will work alongside SSEN Transmission to deliver key elements of the wider programme.
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.”
He continued: “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."
Robert van Beek, Managing Director of RJ McLeod, said that they are looking forward to “delivering this significant project” which, he said, is of “national importance”.
"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,” he added.
Speaking at the ceremony, Comhairle convener Kenny Macleod said that a green energy vision has been under discussion for some 25 years but that recent developments, such as the hub project, will ensure “that the Western Isles will get the benefits from renewables in the years ahead”.
“We have already seen a number of community-owned wind farm projects, which have brought considerable benefits, in terms of finance, into the communities with jobs being created and jobs being retained,” he said. “That is very important for a place like the Western Isles and I think with today’s project we will see more projects happening over the next few years.”
SSEN Transmission said they were targeting £125 million with local businesses over the lifetime of the project, with more than 40 local businesses already engaged in the supply chain, supporting more than 200 local jobs.
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, added: “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 workload, which shows the difference a project of this scale can make to small local businesses.”
It was a theme continued by John Cunningham, director of Adventra (Car Hire Hebrides) who said that the “project has provided a very welcome boost to the 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,” he added.
“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.”
SSEN are also funding a major 94-house development near Stornoway airport, with construction well underway. The properties will be used to house their workforce and will be available for wider community use thereafter.
Katie MacKenzie, Trainee Quantity Surveyor with 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.”