Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) engineers are planning major work for households between Ullapool, Archiltibuie and Lochinver.

Plans include strengthening the main overhead lines that supply electricity to approximately 1,200 homes.

Due to a winter of severe storms, the investment of around £500,000 will help maintain the lights when bad weather hits again.

Along with renewing wood poles, where required, and installing replacement metal bindings suited to the coastal environment, the work will include the installation of enhanced lightning protection along the line.


This should mean fewer customers are affected when lightning causes safety equipment to activate to protect the network, customers and their property.

Some households will have their power supply interrupted for a period on a single day towards the end of August.

John Shanks, who is managing the work for SHEPD, said: "It’s good to know that the lightning protection we are installing, roughly every 1.5km along the line, will help keep the lights on for more of our customers next time lightning strikes.

"Over the week in late August when the work is planned, local people will see lots of our vehicles and contractors in the area.

"There will also be some planned disruption to power supplies where that is the only way to complete our work quickly and safely."

Before work begins, SHEPD are inviting locals to two open evenings to find out more information about the project.

The first meeting will be held on 16 July from 7pm at Ullapool Village Hall, and the second on 29 July from 7pm at Lochinver Village Hall.

(LM/MH)