SSEN Transmission’s Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge VISTA project makes great progress

SSEN Transmission’s £31.9m Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge VISTA project makes great progress in its first 5 months. Once complete the project will see the removal of 46 transmission towers and 12km of overhead line from the Cairngorm National Park.

Working with their principal contractor Morgan Sindall Infrastructure work started in July, since then the project team have been working on the first phase of the project, excavating cable trenches, installing protective ducting, ready to install the new underground cable in the New Year. 

Keith Inglis, Project Director said:

“It is great to see the VISTA - Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge project making such great progress. We have been working closely with our principal contractor Morgan Sindall Infrastructure to mitigate impacts of the construction activities to the surrounding communities, deploying a moling technique to allow cables to be laid under the local roads in Nethy Bridge to prevent road closures.

Working in the Cairngorm National Park presents its challenges at this time of year, it is testament to everyone working on the project that they have been able to keep on schedule.”

SSEN Transmission have built a good relationship with the local community, which saw the project opening the doors to its site compound back in November, inviting the local community to grab a slice of pizza and find out more about the project. Having worked closely with the local community and the Cairngorm National Park throughout the development of the project , they remain at the centre of the project during construction.

Tony Scott, Director of Capital Development and Delivery said:

“I’m delighted to see the VISTA - Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge project well underway, everyone has been working very hard. Right from the beginning of the VISTA project, stakeholder involvement has been key in helping to shape the development and this is being continued into construction as the views of stakeholders and consumers needs remain at the heart of the decision-making process.”