Planning notice submitted for new Stornoway Grid Supply Point ahead of public consultation

24 July 2026

  • The project would replace the existing Grid Supply Point and strengthen the local electricity network while supporting new clean power generation
  • Consultation event to take place in Stornoway on Thursday, 20 August, allowing members of the public to have their say

Stornoway GSP.jpgImage: An indicative image of the proposed Stornoway GSP, located within the red line boundary between the existing GSP (on right, off A859) and Lochside Arena (on left). An indicative image of the Lewis Hub is featured in the foreground. The final site footprint for the proposed GSP would occupy only up to 5% of the red line boundary area

We have submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for the proposed redevelopment of the Stornoway Grid Supply Point (GSP).

This marks the formal start of the pre-application consultation process for the project, which would replace the current GSP. The PAN details a forthcoming public consultation event that will be held at the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway on Thursday 20 August, from 4-7pm.

As part of the PAN submission, a red line boundary has been published showing a development area within which both temporary and permanent infrastructure development and peat management activities could potentially take place.  

This does not represent the final site footprint, which would be significantly smaller, covering only up to 5% of the red line boundary area.

The forthcoming consultation event builds on initial engagement earlier this year, when we presented early proposals for the development located between the existing GSP and the Lochside Arena, off the A859 south of Marybank.

The new GSP would connect to the separate Lewis Hub development via new grid transformers and underground cables, providing the local connection between new transmission infrastructure and homes and businesses across the island.

Together, these projects would strengthen security of supply for local communities while supporting the growth of renewable energy generation. We are currently considering potential future options for the existing GSP site.  

The consultation event will present a more developed design and offer the local community an opportunity to learn more and share their views ahead of a full planning application later this year.

Lyle Cairns, SSEN Transmission Project Manager, said:

“We are pleased to have submitted our Proposal of Application Notice for the Stornoway GSP redevelopment, marking an important step forward in the development of the project that will strengthen the local electricity network and support the growth of clean energy generation in the Western Isles.

“At this stage, it is important to stress that the red line boundary shown in our submission to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar does not represent the final construction area or the footprint of the permanent infrastructure, which will be significantly smaller.  Instead it identifies the wider area required for potential associated development activity, primarily peat management.

“We are committed to working closely with the local community as we develop our proposals, and we encourage anyone with an interest to attend the first of our pre-application consultation events on 20 August to find out more and share their feedback."