Communities to have their say on SSEN's Loch Ness to Skye power line plans with Glenelg drop-in included in schedule of events
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Local communities are being invited by SSEN Transmission to comment on advanced proposals for a replacement overhead electricity transmission line between Fort Augustus and the north of Skye.
The existing Fort Augustus to Skye line, which was constructed in three distinct sections between 1956 and 1989, consists of a combination of steel lattice towers from Fort Augustus to Broadford, then overhead wooden poles from Broadford to Edinbane.
The line is fast reaching the end of its operational life and is in urgent need of intervention.
Its planned replacement is essential to maintain network reliability and security of supply to homes and businesses along its route, as well as to the Western Isles, which is primarily supplied by two electricity distribution subsea cables from Ardmore point.
To enable the connection of new renewable electricity looking to connect to the transmission network along its route, SSEN Transmission is proposing to increase the capacity of the replacement line, supporting the UK and Scottish Governments transition to net zero emissions. The existing line has already exceeded its capacity limit, preventing the connection of new renewable electricity in the area.
To meet the required increased capacity of the replacement line, steel structures will be required from Fort Augustus to Edinbane, extending the existing steel structures where they currently terminate at Broadford; with wooden pole remaining from Edinbane to Ardmore.
However, in direct response to stakeholder feedback, SSEN Transmission is proposing to underground 14km of the line as it passes the Cuillin Hills and 7km where it connects to Fort Augustus substation.
SSEN Transmission is also presenting an alternative route alignment as the line passes Kylerhea, following feedback from the local community and their elected members to avoid introducing new infrastructure in the local area and instead, follow the existing steel tower route as closely as possible. This option remains subject to further environmental studies on the impact of the project on Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills Special Area of Conservation.
Upgrades to the existing substations at Broadford and Edinbane will also be required as part of the Skye reinforcement.
Commenting in advance of the consultation period, project manager Euan Smith said: “The feedback we have received through our previous consultation events and wider engagements has been instrumental in shaping the engineering assessment work we have been carrying out over the last 14 months.
“We have been working really hard to develop mitigations that reflect the feedback we have received and balance the engineering challenges of this complex project. This includes undergrounding the line as it passes the Cuillin Hills, where it connects to Fort Augustus and an alternative route that reduces the proximity and associated visual impact at Kylerhea.
“We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their feedback so far which has helped us to identify what we hope is an acceptable solution through this sensitive landscape and environment.
“We encourage anyone who has an interest in the Skye Reinforcement Project to come along to one of our face to face or virtual consultation events, meet the team and share their feedback in advance of submitting our Section 37 planning application next year.”
The consultation events will be taking place as follows:
September 28, Dunvegan Village Hall, 3pm – 7pm
September 29, Broadford Village Hall, 3pm – 7pm
September 30, Glenelg Village Hall, 3pm – 7pm
October 4, Kyleakin Village Hall, 3pm – 7pm
October 5, Glengarry Community Hall, 3pm – 7pm
October 13, Virtual Exhibition, 1pm – 3pm and 5pm – 7pm
For anyone unable to join one of the consultation events or access the virtual consultations who would like to find out more about the proposals, please contact Lisa.Marchi@sse.com, community liaison manager.
To find out more about the project, please visit: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/skye-reinforcement/
