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We would like to thank road users and local communities for their patience and understanding while this essential programme of work is carried out.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Peterhead Reinforcement Project, please contact:
The project is currently in the detailed design phase with this work due to be completed late in 2026. Early construction work on certain elements of the project due to start in Summer 2026, with the bulk of construct works being completed by the Summer of 2028.
What does the network upgrade involve?
The project involves the installation of a new 33kV overhead lines (OHLs) between Stornoway Substation, Coll Substation, and Barvas Substation. The total length of new OHL proposed is approximately 26km. The new OHLs will follow the existing overhead lines between Stornoway Coll and Barvas, which will be retained.
In addition, the project includes:
- Expansion of the Stornoway Substation at the Arnish road end and construction of a new 33kV switchroom building.
- Construction of new substations at Coll and Barvas, both with new 33kV to 11kV transformer buildings. The new developments will be located close to the existing substations which will be decommissioned on completion of the project.
- Laying of new 33kV and 11kV underground cables running between Barvas and Borve. Cable laying will also include horizontal directional drilled (HDD) sections beneath the Torry River at Barvas and the Borve River.
- Localised network upgrades to 11kV OHLs with some new underground cabling work in Coll and Vatisker and Steinish.
Community engagement and consents
Several community information events have taken place to present proposals to the public and other interested parties. Further events will take place during the design and construction phases of the project where we will provide updates on progress and capture any feedback.
Section 37 applications for the OHLs have been submitted to the Scottish Government Energy Consenting Unit, following pre application consultation with other stakeholders including Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Discussions with landowners and tenants for the OHL and underground cables are ongoing but nearing completions.
Planning applications will be submitted for the new substations at Coll and Barvas.
What are the key environmental considerations?
Comprehensive environmental assessments are being carried out in advance of any construction work progressing to ensure that all works can progress with minimal impact on the environment.
The findings of these assessments will be submitted with Section 37 and planning applications but will also be incorporated into construction environmental management plans to minimise the impact of the construction phase works.
What is the anticipated benefit to the community?
By upgrading and reinforcing the network resilience will be getting built into the network, support local communities, enable future growth, and facilitate a Just Transition to a low-carbon, clean energy system for the surrounding area.
This upgrade will substantially reduce number and the lengthy of power outages for homes and businesses in the north of the Isle of Lewis, ensuring a consistent and dependable electricity supply, whilst increasing the capacity enough to support the expected growth in commercial and domestic green energy due to the use of Solar Panels, Heat Pumps and EV Charging Points.
Why is this important for the future energy security of local communities?
By enhancing the electrical infrastructure and increasing the capacity of the local network we will also enable better integration of renewable energy generation, helping local communities contribute to a cleaner, greener energy future.