Spittal to Peterhead project team lends a hand to restore Wick play park path.

A team of volunteers from SSEN Transmission’s Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable link project rolled up their sleeves to help restore an overgrown community path at Staxigoe Playpark in Wick. 

The team, including staff from SSEN Transmission and key contractors NKT and Caithness-based John Gunn and Son Ltd, spent the day clearing the path and cutting back vegetation, helping to make the route more accessible and enjoyable for local people using the playpark. 

Their efforts have been welcomed by Sinclair’s Bay Community Council, which is leading ongoing work to improve the park for the local community. 

The volunteering day is the latest example of SSEN Transmission supporting communities across Caithness. Earlier this month, the company’s Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund awarded more than £62,000 to help Wick Development Trust bring the historic St Fergus Church into community ownership. 

It also comes as work on the Spittal to Peterhead Subsea Cable Link continues to gather pace, with a key construction compound now established and operational near Halkirk, supporting onshore works and local employment.

Image: The team dig in to help restore the path

Marc Hay, Community Liaison Manager with SSEN Transmission, said:

“It was great to spend the day at Staxigoe Playpark, working alongside colleagues to do something practical that will make a real difference to a much-valued community space. Days like this give our teams a chance to lend a hand and make a positive contribution to the communities hosting our infrastructure. A huge thank you to everyone who gave their time, and to Sinclair’s Bay Community Council for giving us the opportunity to get involved.”

Pat Ramsay, from Sinclair’s Bay Community Council, added:

“We are delighted with the support given by SSEN Transmission and their partners. The paths were totally overgrown, and the team of volunteers worked hard to clear the grass which had rooted into the rubberised path. There were lots of laughs alongside the strenuous work, plus a well-earned refreshment break. This is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the park. Volunteers are crucial to making this project successful, and we’re indebted to the team for their support.”