SSEN Transmission aims to plant over 40 acres of woodland in the Western Isles, as
part of its ongoing project to replace the 132kV overhead line from Harris to Stornoway.
The transmission network operator is calling on interested landowners to get in touch
to discuss how they can get involved in the initiative, with funding available to
help with the establishment and management of new woodland.
It comes as part of SSEN Transmission’s commitment to replace woodland lost to make
way for the new overhead line, which will run for around 60km from the Harris Grid
Supply Point to Stornoway Grid Supply Point. It will replace the existing line which
has been in place since 1990, reducing the potential for power outages and bolstering
energy security in the Western Isles.
With over 115 poles now erected, work is progressing well on the project which is
expected for completion next year. Recent activity has included helicopter operations
to move poles, blocks and overhead line fittings into position, while scaffolds have
been erected beside the A859 at Tarbert to secure protective netting for the safe
removal of the old line and installation of wiring for the new connection.
The compensatory tree planting comes as part of SSEN Transmission’s commitment to
ensure no net loss of woodland on the project.
More broadly, the company is committed to delivering biodiversity net gain on all
its new projects and plans to invest at least £100 million in nature restoration
as part of its work to upgrade the north of Scotland’s electricity transmission network.
This includes over 5,000 hectares of land and marine initiatives making it the largest
single investor in nature restoration in Scotland.
Calum Murray, Senior Forestry Manager with SSEN Transmission, said: “As part of our
commitment to replace trees that have been removed along the route of the new overhead
line, we want to work with landowners to create over 40 acres of new woodland in
Lewis and Harris.
“This could be a single new woodland or a combination of smaller woodlands at two
acres or larger, and we can offer an attractive package of funding to help establish
and manage the woodland.
“We will support initial assessments to determine if the land is suitable for planting,
and help landowners gain any necessary consents to allow tree planting. We can also
put landowners in touch with contractors or experts to help deliver planting and
provide support visits throughout the establishment phase.
“The scheme is open to individual landowners, community groups who have land, or
tenants and crofters who have the landlord’s support. We urge any individuals or
groups with an interest in establishing woodland on their land to get in touch with
us.”
Anyone wishing to discuss a potential woodland creation project can contact calum.murray@sse.com
Plans for 40 acres of new woodland as part of Harris-Stornoway overhead line project
3 June 2025