Spring clean for primary school thanks to Lochay substation transformer project

Image: The project volunteers ready to get started to spruce up Killin Primary School’s playground.

A local primary school has had an early spring clean, thanks to a team working on SSEN Transmission’s grid transformer replacement project at Lochay substation, located beside Lochay Power Station near Loch Tay.

Staff from the project’s principal contractors Balfour Beatty and Global Infrastructure took part in a volunteering day at Killin Primary School.

As well as painting fences and railings, the team also carried out groundwork and tidied up the school playground in time for the start of spring.

The mini makeover comes courtesy of SSEN Transmission’s Lochay 132/11kV Transformer Replacement project, which is replacing two grid transformers that were manufactured in the 1950s and are now at the end of their operational capabilities.

Image: Volunteers painted fences, installed kerbs and tidied the playground at Killin Primary School.

Michael McDonald, Project Engineer from Balfour Beatty, was among those involved in the volunteering day. He commented: “We were delighted to lend a hand in sprucing up the playground at Killin Primary School for the start of spring.

“Working with our colleagues at Global Infrastructure, we helped tidy up the area and painted fences and railings, while laying down new kerb for the path that runs outside the school building.

“It was really rewarding to see how our efforts helped brighten up the playground, and we hope the children and teachers enjoy the results as much as we enjoyed the experience.”

Stuart Gray, SSEN Transmission’s Project Manager for the grid transformer replacement project, added: “The electrical plant is due for replacement, and our project will mean the new infrastructure will ensure connection of Lochay Hydro Power Station to the electrical network.

“Working with the local community is a really important part of this project, and our thanks go to our contractors Balfour Beatty and Global Infrastructure for rolling up their sleeves following the primary school’s request for some help to tidy up the playground area.

“Volunteering days are a great way for the project team to give back to the community, and we hope to take part in similar activities in future.”  

To learn more about the Lochay transformer replacement project, visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/lochay-13211kv-transformer-replacement/