SSEN seeks to improve visual impact of existing transmission network at Loch Tummel – consultation event

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is hosting a consultation event at the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre on Friday 27 July to provide stakeholders an opportunity to find out more about its landscaping proposal at Loch Tummel. 

The electricity and gas markets regulator, Ofgem, is responsible for administering a £500m fund for GB electricity transmission owners to mitigate the impact of existing electricity infrastructure in National Parks and National Scenic Areas.  In response to Ofgem’s funding, SSEN is taking forward a number of engineering and landscaping proposals across its network region as part of its VISTA (Visual Impact of Scottish Transmission Assets) project. 

The drop-in event, from 2pm to 5pm, will provide an update on SSEN’s plans to reduce the visual impact of the existing transmission line in the Loch Tummel National Scenic Area through a combination of tower painting, tree planting and landscaping.  The innovative proposal, which is subject to regulatory funding and landowner approval, has been developed in close consultation with stakeholders with a keen interest in improving the visual amenity within Tummel Valley, which can be viewed from the scenic Queens View landmark.

SSEN is encouraging anyone with an interest to come along to its event next week to find out more about its proposals and for stakeholders to provide their support for the plan in advance of SSEN’s funding bid to Ofgem. 

Commenting on the event Euan Smith, who is leading SSEN’s Project VISTA, said:

“VISTA offers a unique opportunity to look again at our existing transmission assets and mitigate their impact in some of Scotland’s most precious landscapes. Over the last two years we have worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders to identify potential schemes to take forward we are pleased to confirm we will shortly be submitting our first funding application to our regulator for our Loch Tummel VISTA scheme.  We would encourage anyone with an interest in the proposal to come along to find out more about our plans.”

SSEN is also considering a further landscaping proposal for Loch Rannoch and is also taking forward two engineering proposals in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park as well as two further engineering proposals in Cairngorms National Park.  To find out more about SSEN’s VISTA project please visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/sustainability-and-environment/vista/