New back-up power station planned for Isle of Lewis

SSE has applied for planning permission to replace a power station that provides electricity to the Western Isles when supplies from the mainland are disrupted.

The new diesel-powered facility has been proposed for the site of the existing station at Arnish.

The steel-frame building would include a generator hall, toilets, a control room and workshops.

SSE Distribution operates four diesel power stations in the islands - Arnish and Battery Point in Lewis, Loch Carnan in South Uist and a facility in Barra.

Story by local democracy journalist Peter Urpeth.