First deals signed to kick-start SSEN Transmission’s 1,000-home delivery plan

The pledge was included in the Perth-headquartered business’s Housing Strategy, published last year as part of a £20 billion investment to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland.

Under the agreements, SSEN Transmission will support the delivery of nearly 100 new homes in the Western Isles and 47 new homes in Brechin in Angus.

The announcement was marked by deputy first minster Kate Forbes during a visit to Lewis today, where she visited the Stornoway Airport Housing Development and met with representatives of the organisations involved, as well as local apprentices working at the site.

Up to 94 new homes are planned for the development after SSEN Transmission stepped in with significant funding for preparatory work that will enable proposals by local firm CalMax Construction to progress.

Expected to be completed by the end of 2027, the homes will initially accommodate workers involved in the construction of SSEN Transmission’s proposed Lewis Hub but will then be made available to the local community, with the majority to be delivered as affordable housing through a partnership between CalMax Construction and Tighean Innse Gall (TIG).

In Brechin, SSEN Transmission is supporting the delivery of 47 new homes through a multi-million-pound funding boost for the Brechin Infirmary Housing Development.

The investment, which relates to the proposed Kintore to Tealing 400kV overhead line project, will enable North East-based developer the CHAP Group to complete the new homes by the end of 2027. Initially, the properties will accommodate workers building the new overhead line before being made available as affordable and social housing for the local community.

Initial funding unlocks the developments and enables activities to progress, and SSEN Transmission intends to provide further significant, multi-million-pound funding for construction works.

SSEN Transmission plans further announcements about more new housing projects to support the delivery of its investment plans in the weeks and months ahead.

Deputy first minister Kate 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. 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.”

SSEN Transmission’s managing director, Rob McDonald, 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. 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 of CalMax Construction Ltd, 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, CHAP Group managing director, 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.”