Construction begins on Lewis Hub electricity project

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Construction begins on Lewis Hub electricity project Image source, SSEN Transmission Image caption, The Lewis Hub forms part of wider plans to connect island renewable projects with mainland Scotland Published 38 minutes ago Work has begun on the first direct electricity connection between the Western Isles and Scottish mainland. The Lewis Hub, near Stornoway, will house a high voltage direct current (HVDC) switching station as part of the subsea cable.

SSEN Transmission said the project would have the capacity to export up to 1.8GW of renewable electricity to the UK grid while helping to strengthen energy security in the Western Isles. Highlands-based contractor RJ McLeod is to lead the first phase of construction. More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds The hub site in Lewis will contain a HVDC converter station and alternating current (AC) substation, which will make it possible for electricity to travel through the connection.

Sandy Mactaggart, director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission said the project was about "unlocking the islands' vast renewable energy potential", and strengthening the electricity network. SSEN said the project would bring wider benefits to island communities, including investment in new housing and infrastructure projects. The company is to launch a £1.06m local fund, which is in addition to its contribution to refurbish the Caledonian Hotel in Stornoway and £3.4m of improvements to the Arnish Road.

Related topics Isle of Lewis Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Stornoway More on this story Backing in principle for SSEN Transmission's Lewis Hub Published 12 November 2025 Power firm invests in building of 147 new homes Published 5 November 2025 Major contract awarded for SSEN's Lewis Hub Published 14 January

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About this analysis

BBC News reports that construction has started on the Lewis Hub, a converter station for the first direct electricity link between the Western Isles and the Scottish mainland, and sets out what developer SSEN Transmission says the project will deliver. The article attributes the capacity, energy security and community benefit claims to the company rather than stating them in its own voice. Nothing in it misleads the reader.

What it gets right

“SSEN Transmission said the project would have the capacity to export up to 1.8GW of renewable electricity”
The BBC credits the capacity figure and the energy security claim to the developer, so the reader knows these are the company's own projections and not established fact.
“SSEN said the project would bring wider benefits to island communities”
The promised community benefits are attributed to the company that stands to gain from the project, not presented as the outlet's own judgement.
“Sandy Mactaggart, director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission”
The article names the quoted source and gives his role at the company, so the reader can see the quote comes from the developer.

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