Highland Councillors Urged to Object to Power Line Upgrade
Highland councillors have been requested to formally object to a significant upgrade planned for an overhead power line stretching between Beauly and Peterhead.
Approximately 34 miles (55km) of the 115-mile (185km) transmission line operated by SSEN Transmission would traverse the Highland Council area.
The Scottish government has engaged in consultation with the local authority regarding the proposed plans. Subsequently, council officials have recommended that councillors, in their upcoming meeting next week, raise objections based on several concerns.
Concerns Over Visual Impact and Mitigation Measures
Council officers emphasized the necessity for measures to mitigate potential visual impacts at various sensitive locations, including Culloden Battlefield and the Caledonian Canal.
In response, SSEN Transmission stated that the project has been developed in accordance with all relevant policies and legislation and is currently subject to a public inquiry.
Officials have proposed specific mitigation strategies such as reducing the size of certain electricity towers and painting some structures to better blend with the surrounding landscape.
It is notable that six community councils have expressed opposition to SSEN Transmission's plans.
Project Context and Strategic Importance
The upgrade scheme is part of SSEN Transmission's £22 billion Pathway to 2030 programme.
This programme aims to deliver comprehensive upgrades to the electricity transmission system across the United Kingdom, targeting the achievement of clean power and energy security objectives.
SSEN Transmission highlighted its efforts to balance key community and environmental considerations alongside technical and economic factors in the project’s development.
"It represents a critical step towards securing homegrown, affordable clean power for families across the country.
It helps reduce reliance on imported gas from overseas, remove grid bottlenecks, and strengthen energy security at a time when security and affordability matter most."
"Beyond energy, this project supports Scottish jobs and businesses, drives economic growth, and leaves a lasting legacy for communities."
