£35 Million Investment Strengthens Water Network Across the Hebrides

“We are grateful to our delivery partners, local contractors and communities for their support in helping us successfully complete this important programme.”

Rob Mustard
Director of Capital Investment, Scottish Water

Scottish Water has successfully delivered £35 million worth of investment work across communities throughout the Hebrides, delivering major upgrades to vital infrastructure and helping safeguard water supplies for years to come. 

Over the past five years, Scottish Water’s Alliance Partners Caledonia Water Alliance has delivered the programme, which has seen ageing water mains replaced and modernised across the islands, improving the resilience of the network and significantly reducing the risk of burst pipes and unplanned supply interruptions.  

These upgrades will help ensure that households and businesses continue to receive a reliable supply of clear, fresh drinking water, even during periods of increased demand or challenging weather conditions. 

The investment has brought benefits to communities including Tolsta, Bragar, Stornoway County, Bayble, Grimshader, Benbecula, Port of Ness and the Isle of Skye, supporting both day-to-day water services and long-term network reliability. 

Peter McMahon, Caledonia Water Alliance Site Manager, who relocated to Stornoway during the delivery of the programme, praised the dedication of those involved. He said: 

“These projects were delivered in often challenging weather conditions, and I’d like to thank our supply chain partners for their commitment, flexibility and hard work throughout.  

“I’d also like to thank local communities and landowners for their cooperation and patience, particularly during periods when temporary water supplies were required to allow the work to be completed safely.” 

Scottish Water have worked with local contractors wherever possible to deliver these essential improvements efficiently while supporting local employment. The knowledge and expertise of island-based teams has been invaluable in ensuring the work was carried out safely, effectively

and with minimal disruption.

Rob Mustard, Director of Capital Investment at Scottish Water, said:

“By replacing ageing water mains and enhancing the reliability of supplies, we are ensuring that customers across these island communities can continue to rely on high-quality drinking water now and in the future.

“We are grateful to our delivery partners, local contractors and communities for their support in helping us successfully complete this important programme.”

The £35 million worth of investment by Scottish Water represents a significant commitment to island communities, strengthening the resilience of the water network and helping to ensure reliable, high quality water supplies across the Hebrides for decades to come.