SSEN Transmission presents preferred solution for Fort Augustus to Skye Reinforcement Project
- Undergrounding proposed where the line passes the Cuillin Hills, recognising the national significance of this designated landscape
- Undergrounding also proposed where the line connects to Fort Augustus substation
- Alternative route presented which avoids local impacts at Kylerhea
- Replacement line essential to keep the lights on and support transition to net zero emissions
SSEN Transmission invites stakeholders to share feedback on its advanced proposals to replace the existing overhead electricity transmission line between Fort Augustus and Ardmore in the north of Skye.
The existing Fort Augustus to Skye line, which was constructed in three distinct sections between 1956 and 1989, consists of a combination of steel lattice towers from Fort Augustus to Broadford, then overhead wooden poles from Broadford to Edinbane.
The line is fast reaching the end of its operational life and is in urgent need of intervention. Its planned replacement is therefore essential to maintain network reliability and security of supply to homes and businesses along its route, as well as to the Western Isles, which is primarily supplied by two electricity distribution subsea cables from Ardmore point.
To enable the connection of new renewable electricity looking to connect to the transmission network along its route, SSEN Transmission is proposing to increase the capacity of the replacement line, supporting the UK and Scottish Governments transition to net zero emissions. The existing line has already exceeded its capacity limit, preventing the connection of new renewable electricity in the area.
To meet the required increased capacity of the replacement line, steel structures will be required from Fort Augustus to Edinbane, extending the existing steel structures where they currently terminate at Broadford; with wooden pole remaining from Edinbane to Ardmore.
However, in direct response to stakeholder feedback, SSEN Transmission is proposing to underground 14 km of the line as it passes the Cuillin Hills and 7 km where it connects to Fort Augustus substation.
SSEN Transmission is also presenting an alternative route alignment as the line passes Kylerhea, following feedback from the local community and their elected members to avoid introducing new infrastructure in the local area and instead, follow the existing steel tower route as closely as possible. This option remains subject to further environmental studies on the impact of the project on Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills Special Area of Conservation.
Upgrades to the existing substations at Broadford and Edinbane will also be required as part of the Skye reinforcement.
Commenting in advance of the consultation period, Project Manager, Euan Smith, said:
“The feedback we have received through our previous consultation events and wider engagements has been instrumental in shaping the engineering assessment work we have been carrying out over the last 14 months.
“We have been working really hard to develop mitigations that reflect the feedback we have received and balance the engineering challenges of this complex project. This includes undergrounding the line as it passes the Cuillin Hills, where it connects to Fort Augustus and an alternative route that reduces the proximity and associated visual impact at Kylerhea.
“We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their feedback so far which has helped us to identify what we hope is an acceptable solution through this sensitive landscape and environment.
“We encourage anyone who has an interest in the Skye Reinforcement Project to come along to one of our face to face or virtual consultation events, meet the team and share their feedback in advance of submitting our Section 37 planning application next year.”
The consultation events will be taking place as follows:
- 28 September, Dunvegan Village Hall, 15:00 – 19:00
- 29 September, Broadford Village Hall, 15:00 – 19:00
- 30 September, Glenelg Village Hall, 15:00 – 19:00
- 4 October, Kyleakin Village Hall, 15:00 – 19:00
- 5 October, Glengarry Community Hall, 15:00 – 19:00
- 13 October, Virtual Exhibition, 13:00 – 15:00 & 17:00 – 19:00
For anyone unable to join one of the consultation events or access the virtual consultations who would like to find out more about the proposals, please contact Lisa.Marchi@sse.com, Community Liaison Manager.
To find out more about the project, please visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/skye-reinforcement/