Trust responds to SSEN's electricity transmission line proposal

The Trust has been made aware of SSEN’s (Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks) proposal to reinforce the transmission line from Spittal to Beauly via Loch Buidhe.

The proposed transmission line will comprise of:

• Approx. 167km of overhead transmission line between Spittal and Beauly via Loch Buidhe.
• New substations at Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly, as well as HVDC (high-voltage direct current) converter stations at Spittal and Beauly.

This proposal is only one aspect of SSEN’s larger ‘Pathway to 2030’ project which aims to reinforce the electricity network across the north of Scotland to significantly increase its capacity to transport renewable energy. 

The Spittal – Beauly project is currently at the initial consultation stage and so there is no detailed information on the environmental impacts of the development available at this point. We welcome the fact that SSEN’s preferred route appears to avoid Wild Land Areas. However, we will continue to monitor the project closely and advocate for the protection of wild land.

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Our response to SSEN’s consultation on this proposal is here and we encourage all those interested to submit their views to SSEN at the following link Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV Connection - SSEN Transmission (ssen-transmission.co.uk).

The deadline for responses is Friday 31 March 2023.