SSEN Transmission and LSHA partnership to refurbish Portree flats for workers
23 September 2026
Five flats to be renovated as part of wider investment in housing and community infrastructure
Image: The flats will be refurbished for staff working on SSEN Transmission’s Skye Reinforcement project, before then being handed back to LSHA for allocation to local tenants once work on the project is complete.
Five vacant flats in Portree are set to be refurbished and brought back into use through a partnership between SSEN Transmission and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association (LSHA).
The properties, located within the Leathad na Sobhraig development, will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment programme before being designated as accommodation for key staff supporting the delivery of SSEN Transmission’s Skye Reinforcement Project.
As part of the initiative, wider improvements will also be carried out to the North and South blocks at Leathad na Sobhraig. The programme includes repairs and upgrades to the external building and common areas, including the removal of cladding, structural enhancements, and guttering work. A full internal fit out will also be completed as part of the upgrades to the five flats.
Initially, the refurbished homes will be used to accommodate staff working on the SSEN Transmission Skye Reinforcement Project – a major electricity transmission project which involves replacing the existing electricity infrastructure between Fort Augustus and Ardmore in Skye.
This temporary use of the flats ensures the properties are put to immediate and practical use, supporting local economic activities.
Once work on the Skye Reinforcement Project is complete, SSEN Transmission will return all five upgraded homes to LSHA for allocation to local tenants.
The refurbishment works will be fully funded through the partnership between SSEN Transmission and LSHA. The initiative has also been supported by the Scottish Government, which reviewed and approved the mechanism enabling the refurbishment and improvement works to proceed.
LSHA are engaging with local contractors to complete the projects. The refurbishment works will be delivered by Torr Civils & Building LTD, a contractor based in Raasay with experience across building, renovation and refurbishment projects throughout Skye and the Highlands.
Works are expected to begin in the coming weeks and are anticipated to take around four months to complete.
Chris Bell, Project Director at SSEN Transmission, said:
"The Skye Reinforcement Project will support local employment and bring workers to the island during construction. Working with Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association to refurbish these flats provides a practical, long-term solution that helps meet accommodation needs while delivering lasting improvements to existing housing stock in Portree.
"We're pleased to support a project that not only helps us deliver the infrastructure needed for Skye's future but also leaves a positive legacy for the local community."
Lowri Richards, LSHA Chief Executive, said:
“The purchase and refurbishment of the five flats is an important step in supporting the long-term occupation and management of the entire Leathad na Sobhraig development.
“It will enable us to improve the overall condition, appearance and sustainability of both North and South blocks.”
“Reserving the five refurbished flats for key workers is also an important step forward for the local community.
“We are very grateful for the support of SSEN Transmission in funding this project.”
The initiative is part of SSEN Transmission's wider pledge to support the delivery of 1,000 homes across the north of Scotland, helping meet both local housing needs and the accommodation requirements of the workforce needed to deliver critical electricity network infrastructure.
SSEN Transmission will continue to work with the local housing association and the local authority to explore housing opportunities that could support the Skye Reinforcement Project while providing long-term benefits for local communities.
By investing in housing projects across the region, SSEN Transmission is seeking to leave a positive legacy for communities, with homes continuing to support local residents and key workers after major construction projects have been completed.
The five flats will support the delivery of the Skye Reinforcement Project, a major infrastructure investment which involves replacing the existing overhead electricity line between Fort Augustus and Skye.
The project will strengthen the electricity network to support network resilience, security of electricity supply, and enable the growth of clean power and progress towards the country’s net zero ambitions. As part of the project, substations at Edinbane and Broadford will be extended, with upgrades also taking place at Fort Augustus Substation.
Learn more about the Skye Reinforcement Project here: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/skye-reinforcement