UPDATED: Transformers set for journey to Sutherland substation

Two transformers that will play a vital role in the north’s future electricity network are set to make the final stage of their journey to Loch Buidhe substation, 5 miles north of Bonar Bridge.

The transformers, which each weigh 145 tonnes, have been delivered by sea to Invergordon where they are due to be loaded on to multi-axel trailers by specialist haulier ALE, working on behalf of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and their lead contractor at Loch Buidhe, BAM Siemens.

Slow-moving convoys with a police escort are expected to set out from Invergordon at 9:30am on Tuesday 18 October and Monday 31 October, before making their way up the A9, across the Dornoch Bridge and into Bonar Bridge via Spinningdale on the A949. They will then turn right on to the Migdale road, where a series of improvements have been made over the past 18 months to strengthen and widen the existing road surface in preparation.

Commenting, SSEN Project Manager Russell Stewart said:

“Every stage in the journey of these transformers has been carefully planned, going back 5 years to the earliest stages of developing plans for the new substation. Once they arrive and are installed on site, they are expected to play a key role in the network for decades to come.

“Our team will be working alongside our specialist haulier, the roads authorities and the police to make sure each delivery can be completed smoothly, safely and with minimum disruption to other traffic.

“Both convoys will set out from Invergordon at around 9:30am, following the northbound A9 and then the A949 via Spinningdale. We want to alert road users so that they can consider alternative routes, where available, next Tuesday and Friday mornings to avoid experiencing any delays. The timing of the delivery has changed from our original plan to reflect the availability of police resources to provide an escort. We have opted to go ahead on the dates originally proposed in order to coincide with the school holiday period.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while construction work and local road improvements have been progressing.”

One of the transformers on the road to Loch Buidhe