Ofgem set to approve removal of transmission towers above Killin and the Falls of Dochart in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

A project to remove transmission electricity lines from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one step closer with Ofgem provisionally approving SSEN Transmission’s proposal.

SSEN Transmission plans to remove a total of 7.8 km of overhead line, including 31 steel lattice towers, between Killin substation and Lix Toll, with electricity cables being put underground instead. The removed infrastructure will include the most prominent section above Killin and the Falls of Dochart.

SSEN Transmission’s Visual Impact of Scottish Transmission Assets (VISTA) project offers an alternative approach to project development – combining the technical skills of its engineers with the expertise of external stakeholders who have extensive knowledge of the Scottish landscape. This collaboration has been central to the development of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs VISTA project.

Working closely with the National Park and a wide range of stakeholders, representing both statutory and non-statutory organisations, the wealth of experience and interests of these stakeholders in the landscapes under consideration has helped identify the finally selected key areas for the proposal.

The project is being taken forward and funded as part of a £500m fund, administered by the energy regulator Ofgem, for GB electricity transmission owners to mitigate the impact of existing electricity infrastructure in nationally designated landscapes. SSEN Transmission has applied to the fund to mitigate the impact of historic electricity infrastructure in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Project Manager, Lee Wilson 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.

“We have been working closely with the local community around Killin, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and local stakeholders on the project for the last 14 months . Their feedback has been pivotal in shaping the final project and we are delighted it has taken another significant step towards being approved.

“We would like to thank all of those who have shared their feedback on the project development so far and we look forward to their continued engagement.”

The final approval of the scheme is subject to the outcome of Ofgem’s consultation, open until 24 March 2021, as the regulator seeks further views and support from stakeholders before making a final decision on whether to approve funding for the plans.

SSEN Transmission encourages those who are interested in the scheme to submit their feedback to Ofgem.