SSEN Transmission has signed two major agreements to help deliver new homes in the North of Scotland.
The deals are the first step in the business’s plan to support the delivery of 1,000 new homes as part of its investment programme to upgrade the electricity transmission grid.
The agreements will see nearly 100 homes built in the Western Isles and 47 homes in Brechin, Angus.
The announcement was made during a visit to Lewis by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who visited the Stornoway Airport Housing Development and met with local apprentices.
Up to 94 homes are planned at Stornoway Airport after SSEN Transmission provided funding for preparatory work.
The homes will first house workers building SSEN Transmission’s proposed Lewis Hub and will later be offered to the local community as affordable homes through a partnership between CalMax Construction and Tighean Innse Gall (TIG).
SSEN Transmission is also supporting 47 homes at the Brechin Infirmary Housing Development.
The investment is linked to the proposed Kintore to Tealing 400kV overhead line project and will help the CHAP Group complete the homes by the end of 2027.
These homes will first be used by workers on the overhead line before becoming available as affordable and social housing.
Additionally, SSEN Transmission plans to announce more housing projects in the coming months.
The company said the initiative will help create jobs, apprenticeships and long-term value for local communities.
Forbes said: “Scotland’s enormous renewables capabilities offer an unprecedented opportunity to create jobs and deliver economic growth across our local, regional and national economies for decades to come.
“It is of course vital to ensure that the supporting infrastructure, including housing, is in place to support the workforces and communities that this opportunity presents.
“This will take a shared endeavour, with the public and private sectors working together to ensure that the right homes are delivered in the right place at the right time.”
Forbes added: “SSEN Transmission’s commitment to support the creation of 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland is a welcome example of this working in practice and I look forward to the delivery of the initiative benefitting local communities for generations to come.”
Rob McDonald, managing director at SSEN Transmission, said: “We are committed to a positive legacy across the north of Scotland from the grid upgrades needed to achieve energy security and clean power, and these first two announcements of new housing in Stornoway and Brechin are all about turning our determination to deliver into bricks and mortar.
“It is an industry first initiative that we are immensely proud to have worked hard with partners to make happen.
“Communities throughout our vast transmission region need good quality jobs to help sustain people and families in their local areas, and homes for them to live in.”
McDonald added: “Upgrading the region’s electricity grid will help deliver both of these vital objectives.
“A lack of housing for local people is a big issue in many of the communities we serve, and our housing strategy demonstrates how we are working in partnership to develop imaginative proposals that will deliver new homes – and hopefully act as a template for other infrastructure developers.”
Donald Mackay, director at CalMax Construction, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside SSEN Transmission and Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) to bring this housing development at Branahuie to life.
“It’s fantastic to see investment like this coming to Lewis – not only helping to deliver much-needed homes, but also creating and sustaining local jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities for businesses across the island’s supply chain.
“We expect to create up to 30 additional jobs as part of this project, including a number of early career and apprenticeship positions – and with up to 100 employees involved in construction at any one time, this will make a real, lasting difference to the local economy while providing a legacy of new affordable homes.”
Hugh Craigie, managing director at CHAP Group, said: “CHAP is delighted to receive the backing of SSEN Transmission for this development of much-needed housing in the Brechin area.
“We look forward to seeing the hard work, of the combined SSEN Transmission/CHAP team, come to fruition.
“CHAP is proud to have played a part in the development of SSEN’s ambitious plans to support 1,000 new homes, and we are excited to embark upon the delivery phase.”
