SSEN Plans to Revitalize Empty Homes for Workforce Accommodation

Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) is considering the potential of reviving empty homes in Shetland as part of its strategy for future workforce accommodation. This initiative is aligned with similar efforts currently underway in Orkney, where SSEN is actively seeking long-term vacant properties to refurbish and lease.

The energy company has several large-scale projects planned for Shetland, including a proposed second subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link to the Scottish mainland. This project is expected to require substantial onshore infrastructure. SSEN has previously announced intentions to construct housing in northern Scotland to support the influx of workers associated with its various projects. Following the completion of these initiatives, there are plans for the housing to be transferred to local authorities.

A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission indicated that the restoration of empty homes is a viable option in their accommodation strategy. “We continue to work with Shetland Islands Council and local housing stakeholders to identify workforce accommodation solutions – including how we can deliver a positive legacy through our pledge to support the delivery of more than 1,000 new homes for local communities in the north of Scotland, as part of our accommodation requirements,” the spokesperson stated. “We are exploring all viable options as part of our accommodation mix, and this includes bringing empty homes in Shetland back into long-term use. We hope to be able to share more information about this with communities and stakeholders in due course.”

Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of visiting workforces on the already strained housing and rental market in Shetland. Developers have been urged to find innovative solutions to address these challenges. The existing scheme in Orkney, where a transmission link to Caithness and a related substation are under construction, allows SSEN Transmission to provide financial assistance for refurbishing long-term empty homes. This support comes in exchange for reduced rental rates for management staff.

To date, two empty homes have been successfully revitalized in Orkney, with plans for additional properties. SSEN is particularly focused on homes on the Orkney mainland that have been unoccupied for at least six months and require no more than £25,000 in upfront investment to meet rental standards. The company offers to fund these refurbishments, recouping costs through reduced rent until summer 2028.

In addition to these initiatives, a temporary accommodation camp is slated for construction in Orkney to house workers involved in the new substation project in Finstown. According to Scottish Government statistics, Shetland reported an empty homes rate of 409 per 10,000 dwellings as of September 2024, with 375 of those homes vacant for over a year. These figures represent some of the highest rates in Scotland.

In a recent meeting, it was revealed that Shetland Islands Council is planning to hire a full-time officer, with government support, to address the issue of long-term empty homes. Both a graduate officer and external consultants have also been engaged to develop an empty homes strategy.

Nevertheless, Emma Macdonald, the council leader, expressed concerns regarding the pace of SSEN’s accommodation plans, stating that progress has not occurred quickly enough. Development director Neil Grant echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for urgent action to tackle the housing situation in the region.

As SSEN moves forward with its housing initiatives, it remains to be seen how effectively these efforts will address the existing challenges in Shetland’s housing market while supporting the company’s ambitious project goals.