Christmas giving: SSEN Transmission’s Skye Reinforcement Project team spreads festive cheer with donations to local foodbanks and toy appeal
Image: Team members from GE Vernova and SSEN Transmission drop off Christmas donations at a foodbank in Portree. From left; Peter Lawerence, Project Manager at SSEN Transmission; Craig Wannan, Site Manager for GE Vernova; and Rebecca Henderson, Site Administrator for GE Vernova.
Teams working on SSEN Transmission’s Skye Reinforcement Project have embraced the spirit of giving this Christmas by supporting local communities in Skye through a series of charitable initiatives.
Project staff from SSEN Transmission along with delivery partners RJ McLeod and GE Vernova have come together to make a real difference to local communities across Skye, donating essential food items to local foodbanks as well as raising over £1,150 in funds to help families in need.
The team at Balfour Beatty got involved in Radio Skye’s ‘Cram the Van’ toy donation drive, helping to fill their van with donations of presents ready to be distributed to those most in need.
Image: Donations were collected by the Balfour Beatty team and dropped off for Radio Skye's Cram the Van Christmas toy appeal on behalf of the Skye Reinforcement Project team.
These efforts aim to ensure that no child goes without a gift and no family goes hungry in Skye during the festive season.
The Skye Reinforcement Project is a critical investment in Scotland’s electricity network, but for the teams involved, supporting the communities where they work is just as important. Through food donations, collections, and hands-on participation, the project team has shown that delivering infrastructure and helping the community can go hand in hand.
Maren Ebeling, Community Liaison Manager at SSEN Transmission said:
“Christmas is a time for giving, and we’re proud to see our teams and partners come together to support local families here in Skye. These initiatives reflect our commitment to the communities we serve, and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to help make a difference this year.
Petre Szasz, Construction Manager at GE Vernova said:
“I am proud of the teams within GE Vernova, SSEN Transmission and RJ McLeod that have come together to support the Skye & Lochalsh Food Bank.
“At GE Vernova, we always look at ways we can support local communities while strengthening the grid network. I admire the work done by the volunteers who generously give their time to support the initiative. At this time of year especially it is important that we all come together and support those most in need.”
About the Skye Reinforcement Project
The Skye Reinforcement Project involves upgrading the high-voltage electricity network between Ardmore on the Isle of Skye and Fort Augustus.
The existing single-circuit 132kV overhead line - parts of which date back to the 1950s -is nearing the end of its operational life. Its replacement is essential to maintaining network reliability and security of supply for homes and businesses in Skye, along the route, and in the Western Isles, which are currently served by two subsea electricity distribution cables from north Skye.
The new double-circuit line will use steel lattice towers of similar height and design to the existing infrastructure. While the voltage will remain the same, the new line will offer increased capacity, enabling the connection of new renewable electricity generation and further strengthening the network’s reliability.
The project includes:
- Approximately 160km of overhead line replacement
- 24km of underground cable
- Substation upgrades at Dunvegan and Fort Augustus
- Substation extensions at Edinbane and Broadford
The Skye Reinforcement Project is part of SSEN Transmission’s wider investment programme, which will see over £22bn invested in electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland. This investment will unlock Scotland’s clean energy potential, support national energy security and climate targets, and deliver jobs and local benefits.
To sign up for updates or learn more, visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/skye-reinforcement