LARS completes decommissioning project on remote Scottish island

Carnforth-based LARS Communications has completed a decommissioning job on the remote, uninhabited Scottish island of Sule Skerry.

The remit was to decommission a tower and cabin and bring them back to the mainland for disposal. But Sule Skerry is a rocky outcrop around 35 miles west of Orkney’s mainland. Once home to just a lighthouse keeper, the island is now a Designated Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which added to the complexity of the task.

LARS worked with Scottish National Heritage to devise a timetable that avoided the breeding seasons of puffins, gannets and shags, and didn't interfere with seal pups that can often be found on the rocks.

A helicopter was chosen in favour of a mooring vessel, and PDG Aviation Services was brought in to share its lifting expertise.

Together, they transported the team to the island, dismantled the structure, transported the structure back to mainland Orkney in as few trips as possible, and finally lifted the crew from the island and returned them to the mainland.

Nick Churchill, LARS projects manager, said: "This was a true test of sensitivity, logistics and collaboration and couldn’t have been successfully carried out without the assistance of local residents and businesses. It was a project that LARS was thrilled to be a part of."

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