Five Portree flats to be refurbished for workers on Skye power project

Five Portree flats to be refurbished for workers on Skye power project

23 SEPTEMBER 2026

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Five vacant flats in Portree are to be refurbished and used to house workers involved in a major electricity project on Skye.

The homes are being upgraded through a partnership between SSEN Transmission and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association (LSHA).

The work is expected to start in the coming weeks and take around four months.

The project incluedes work to the North and South blocks at Leathad na Sobhraig

The flats will initially provide accommodation for staff working on the Skye Reinforcement Project.

The project involves replacing existing electricity infrastructure between Fort Augustus and Ardmore in Waternish, as well as upgrades to substations at Edinbane, Broadford and Fort Augustus.

As well as the five flats being refurbished, repairs and improvements will be carried out on surrouding buildings.

That will include work to the external building and communal areas, including the removal of cladding, structural improvements and new guttering.

Once the Skye Reinforcement Project is complete, the five flats will be handed back to LSHA to be allocated to local tenants.

The work will be carried out by Torr Civils & Building, a contractor based on Raasay.

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.”

She added: “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.”