We've reaffirmed our commitment to working closely with local communities with a successful engagement event for our Mull-Iona subsea cable replacement project. The recent event provided residents, businesses, and stakeholders with the latest updates on the essential infrastructure project, while offering a valuable platform for discussion, questions and feedback.
The Mull-Iona project aims to enhance the resilience and reliability of the electricity network serving the islands, ensuring a sustainable and secure power supply for generations to come.
Community input has been crucial in shaping the project, and our teams remain dedicated to transparent communication and collaboration throughout its development.
SSEN Distribution’s Project Manager, Auben Lavery, said:
“The engagement and insights from the Mull and Iona communities have been instrumental in shaping this project, and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and feedback. We understand the importance of ensuring that local voices are heard, and we greatly appreciate the constructive feedback and support we’ve received. We remain committed to keeping the community informed and involved as we move forward.”
Attendees at the event had the opportunity to learn more about this essential project’s progress, environmental considerations and next steps.
Our subsea cables team, accompanied by Briggs Marine, also visited Iona Primary School, delivering a STEM workshop and helping the children learn about the different roles involved in delivering a project such as this.
Stephen Glen Lee, Head Teacher, Iona Primary School, said:
"It was the most organised, best resourced visit we've ever had from a company visiting the school. The workshop was completely age- appropriate, whether you were 5 or 53 years old, we were all able to access the session, and we all learned something. I would have the team back in an instant, the kids loved it!”
The subsea cables’ project team also hosted a community drop in event at Iona Village Hall in early March, which was well attended by members of the Iona Community Council and South West Mull and Iona Development Trust.
Dr. Rupert Ormond, Secretary of Isle of Mull Community Council, said:
“We welcome SSEN Distribution engaging with the communities who are impacted by this subsea cable replacement project and keeping us informed about what to expect while the installation takes place. We were reassured to learn about the extensive marine and environmental surveys that have been conducted in preparation for this work going ahead later in the Summer.”
We've confirmed that our teams will continue to work closely with key partners, including Briggs Marine and the community councils on Mull and Iona, to deliver this vital upgrade while minimising disruption to the local environment and daily life.