Revised North Coast 500 road closure taken to community

An energy distribution firm is to take revised plans to close part of the North Coast 500 route to the community after concerns about its original proposals.

SSEN Transmission had previously proposed a full road closure to allow for a major subsea electricty cable from the Western Isles to be connected to the national grid.

The planned closure on the A832 near Dundonnell, which would have resulted in an 80-mile (130km) diversion, was met with a community backlash.

SSEN said it had revised its plans following feedback, with single-lane closures between Dundonnell and Fain Bridge for up to 18 months proposed instead.

Some locals feared for the future of their businesses, should the original plans have gone ahead.

Work is due to start on 19 January.

Niall Macleod, SSEN Transmission's project director, said the revised plans would allow work to be carried out safely, whilst minimising the impact on the local community.

He added that the company remained committed to ongoing engagement with road users, local communities and stakeholders.

Public consultation events will be held in Aultbea Hall on 7 January, with a second event in Badcaul Church, Dundonnell, the following evening.

Work is being undertaken as part of the Western Isles HVDC link project, which will carry renewable energy generated in the Western Isles to the national grid.

Planning permisson for the Lewis Hub project was granted in November.