Council / SSEN could build homes for workers before giving them to SIC
SSEN Transmission has held talks with Shetland Islands Council (SIC) about building homes for its workers – which could then be passed over to the council.
Political leader Emma Macdonald confirmed the SIC and Hjaltland Housing Association have been meeting with the energy giant about providing its own housing for its workers ahead of more major planned projects.
A second subsea cable from the mainland to Shetland is being proposed, as well as a two-year programme of underground power cabling works.
And the SIC is keen to ensure that more houses are not snapped up by developers at a time when locals are struggling to find accommodation.
Once SSEN has finished work, the homes would then be handed over to the SIC – which could help ease the housing crisis in the isles.
“The council have been very clear that we need developers to find solutions for housing their workforce and that this needs to be a key factor in their plans,” Macdonald told Shetland News.
“We have seen in the past when we’ve had large scale development the impact this can have on the availability of housing for local needs and we need to ensure this isn’t repeated.
“It is still early days in the development of the details but if SSEN are considering housing that could be utilised for the community after they have completed their work then it’s important these properties are in the most appropriate location and are of a quality that is suitable for the longer term.”
SSEN Transmission has today (Tuesday) announced it is aiming to build more than 1,000 homes across the north of Scotland “in an industry first”.
The company is working with councils to deliver the new homes as part of its Pathway to 2030 programme – a £20 billion investment to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland.
Workers’ accommodation will be required to deliver the proposed projects, and SSEN Transmission is aiming to create a legacy in the communities that will host its workforce by delivering housing that will support local need when the projects are completed.
Shetland was not mentioned in SSEN’s initial plans for the north of Scotland today, but the energy giant confirmed it is keen to build homes in the isles.
“We’re working closely with the housing team at Shetland Islands Council and the housing association, Hjaltland, who entirely understand local housing need and we are working with them to ensure our approach fits with local need and demand,” a spokesperson for SSEN Transmission told Shetland News.
Around 400 homes are set to be built in the Highlands, along with a similar number in Aberdeenshire.
SSEN said that other “significant housing activity” is planned elsewhere the north of Scotland, with more announcements to follow in the coming months.
Managing director Rob McDonald said they were focused on leaving a legacy behind in areas where the lack of housing was a key issue for people.
“This is a significant and innovative contribution to addressing the housing challenges in the north of Scotland, and it also demonstrates how we can work in partnership to develop imaginative proposals that will deliver new homes and act as a template for other developers.
“Our £20bn investment in the transmission network is the biggest investment programme the north of Scotland has seen in decades – and our ambition to create a housing legacy reflects our determination to make a lasting and positive contribution in the communities hosting our infrastructure.”
The news was also welcomed by Scottish Government housing minister Paul McLennan, who called it an “innovative approach”.
“We will work with SSEN Transmission and other partners to ensure that the right homes are delivered in the right place, to benefit local communities for generations to come,” he added.
McLennan also spoke to the local media about the topic when he was in Shetland for a meeting of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands earlier this month.
The minister said there were “huge economic development opportunities” for the Highlands and Islands – particularly in renewable energy – “but we need housing on the back of this as well”.
Meanwhile energy firm Statkraft – which has planning consent for three wind farms in Shetland and is exploring hydrogen production too – said it recognises that accommodation and housing is an ongoing challenge in the isles.
A spokesperson said: “It’s something that we will assess the need for on a project-by-project basis, as we move closer to construction, and will work with the local authority and other organisations to help meet local needs.”
Salmon Scotland called last year for £10 million – which is paid by salmon farmers in government rents – to be ringfenced and used to build housing instead.
Chief executive Tavish Scott said the lack of housing in areas like Shetland was holding the salmon industry back.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
