Working alongside our contract partner Briggs Marine and using the specially-modified vessel the Seacor Nile, the installation of the cable along the seabed on the Sound of Islay from North Glas Eilean to Traigh Bhan began on 31 July, before being brought ashore on Islay on 3 August. Following on from this, a detailed programme of testing was carried out before the cable was energised on the evening of 12 September.
The new cable came about following our routine inspections, which identified the existing one was nearing the end of its operational lifespan, so a replacement was duly scheduled. A rigorous design and marine investigation period followed, with input and advice from NatureScot, RSPB Scotland, ferry operator CalMac and Argyll & Bute Council.
Peter McGrath, SSEN Distribution's Subsea Project Manager, explained: "With the fast-moving current of the Sound of Islay - which had significantly reduced the lifespan of the previous cable - this was a challenging submarine cable installation to design, develop and deliver. With these conditions in mind, when it came to the new one, we wanted to engineer a more resilient and reliable replacement to serve our communities across Islay for a generation to come.
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"As a business supporting the drive towards net zero, we're very much aware of the changing landscape as we install these submarine cables which, in turn, are helping to meet the needs of future customers.
"Community engagement has become a hallmark of our subsea cable projects, and this installation was no exception; we've spoken with communities on both Jura and Islay, and these conversations all played a part in fine-tuning the final project. And looking to the future, our work in the recent STEM day at Islay High School, along with other community events, has helped us to build a legacy for the Jura-Islay project and what that means to those on both islands who will benefit."
Kevin Galbraith, Subsea Project Director for Large Capital Delivery, adds:
"Our Subsea team manages and maintains more than 450km of submarine electricity cables, connecting communities across 60-plus Scottish islands. As SSEN supports the drive towards net zero, we're playing our part to deliver the modernisation and improvement of our network to some of the most remote communities in Scotland.
"Working with young people through our ambitious STEM programme is helping us to raise awareness of the future demands on our network, and the potential part they can play in meeting these objectives. Together with our communities and future generations, the Jura-Islay submarine cable is helping to deliver this legacy."
