Following the successful installation of SSEN Distribution’s subsea electricity cable connecting Mainland Orkney to Shapinsay last year - ensuring the safe, secure, and reliable supply of electricity for the communities involved - SSEN has been visiting groups in Orkney to present drone photography and cutaway sections of the subsea cable commemorating the end of the project.
The photo above shows L-R Lisa Marie Muir, Shapinsay Development Trust, Leanne Bews, Shapinsay Community Council, Geraldine Higgins SSEN, Claire Cruddas, Shapinsay Heritage Arts and Crafts, and Emma Clements, Shapinsay Primary School.
The installation, carried out in August last year between Head of Works on Mainland Orkney and Balfour Village on Shapinsay, included comprehensive stabilisation and protection measures, leading to energisation on 18 September.
The presentations to Kirkwall & St Ola Community Council, Kirkwall Grammar School and members of the Shapinsay community were made in recognition of their invaluable support during the subsea project. They were consulted throughout, and their collaboration was instrumental in refining SSEN’s programme and minimising disruption to local communities while this crucial network upgrade was completed.
Mel Chisholm, Lead Project Manager for SSEN Distribution’s Subsea team, said:
“Following a routine inspection programme, we identified that the submarine cable connecting Shapinsay to the network on Mainland Orkney was nearing the end of its operational life; this led to an extensive programme of engineering and marine investigations, after which the cable project was designed, developed and delivered.
“We’ve worked closely with a number of stakeholders including Orkney Islands Council, Orkney Fisheries Association and communities on both Shapinsay and Orkney Mainland to refine our programme and minimise any disruption. We also kept both communities updated with our plans and delivered a STEM engagement programme to children at Shapinsay Primary School and talked careers with young people at Kirkwall Grammar School.
“It’s been highly rewarding to engage with these future generations of bright, intelligent young Orcadians on our work and deliver a legacy for the Mainland Orkney-Shapinsay project.”
Emma Clements, Headteacher at Shapinsay Primary School, expressed her appreciation for the engagement activities and the commemorative photography:
“During the project, SSEN’s Subsea team engaged with the school and did several workshops explaining the work they were doing to the pupils. They helped the children understand why network upgrades like this are important and they learned about the different roles involved in delivering this type of project. We’re delighted to have the drone photography and cable cutaways as a souvenir of the project, reminding the children that living in Orkney means there are plenty of opportunities to explore future careers in the marine environment working on projects such as this.”
The above photo shows L-R John Mowat, Kirkwall & St Ola Community Council, Geraldine Higgins SSEN, Tom Rendall, Rosemary Rhodes and Steven Brodie, Kirkwall & St Ola Community Council.
Tom Rendall, Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council, added:
“We would like to commend SSEN for their dedicated efforts in completing the successful subsea electrical cable installation, providing greater continuity of service to residents on the mainland and on Shapinsay in the future. We are pleased to receive the subsea cable cutaway and photographs, marking another key milestone in the journey of the Orkney Islands towards a clean energy future.”
SSEN Distribution remains committed to investing in infrastructure projects that enhance the resilience and reliability of electricity supplies to the communities it serves.