Overview
Status: Early Development
Community Consultation Event – Glenmoriston Substation Access Track Upgrade
SSEN Transmission invites local residents and stakeholders to a public consultation event regarding proposed improvement works to the access track leading to the Glenmoriston Substation site.
The proposed development involves upgrading the existing track from Torgyle to the Glenmoriston Substation, continuing along Inverwick Road until
it rejoins the A887, approximately 6km west of Invermoriston.
These upgrades are essential to support the delivery of a new grid transformer to the substation. While the transformer replacement itself is not part of this proposal, the current access route is unsuitable for transporting the new equipment.
The planned improvements will ensure safe and efficient delivery and will involve construction traffic in the area.
The Event will take place:
Tuesday 28 October, 3–7pm, The Hub, Dalchreichart, Glenmoriston, IV63 7YJ
About the Project
The Glenmoriston Substation Works involve replacement of the existing grid transformer (GT). The existing GT was manufactured and installed in 1998, however, a condition assessment highlighted the transformer is showing signs of degradation and needs to be replaced. No other condition related issues have been identified at this substation.
Much of the 132kV planned connections have been installed in the past four years during the works to connect Bhlaraidh Wind Farm in 2018. It is anticipated the proposed work can be carried out without necessitating an outage on the Bhlaraidh Wind Farm circuit, which connects to the grid via the 132kV busbar at Glenmoriston Substation.
The project scope includes:
• Replacement of the existing grid transformer
• Associated equipment to support the new grid transformer
• Landscaping and biodiversity requirements
• Permanent access requirements to the site will be dependent on the Site Option chosen
Find Out More About Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Connection
Why is the Project Required?
The GT replacement is required in close proximity to Glenmoriston Power Station to minimise electrical losses and where possible maintain the use of existing assets. An in-situ replacement of the GT may not be feasible due to modern design and safety specifications, and the required length of generator outage time at the nearby power stations of Glenmoriston and Livishie.
Community Engagement
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.
When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
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Rescheduled Event Notice - Glenmoriston Substation Access Track Upgrade
Project updates
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Rescheduled Event Notice - Glenmoriston Substation Access Track Upgrade
This is a rescheduled event as our consultation on 01 October was cancelled due to unforseen circumstances. We apologise again for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Following feedback, we have secured an alternative venue for the event, The Hub - Dalchreichart, located in closer proximity to our proposals.
SSEN Transmission invites local residents and stakeholders to a public consultation event regarding proposed improvement works to the access track leading to the Glenmoriston Substation site.
The proposed development involves upgrading the existing track from Torgyle to the Glenmoriston Substation, continuing along Inverwick Road until
it rejoins the A887, approximately 6km west of Invermoriston.
These upgrades are essential to support the delivery of a new grid transformer to the substation. While the transformer replacement itself is not part of this proposal, the current access route is unsuitable for transporting the new equipment.
The planned improvements will ensure safe and efficient delivery and will involve construction traffic in the area.
The Event will take place:
Tuesday 28 October, 3–7pm, The Hub, Dalchreichart, Glenmoriston, IV63 7YJ -
Public Consultation Event - Access Track Upgrades
We regret to inform you that the public consultation event scheduled for Wednesday 1 October, 3–7pm at Glenmoriston Millennium Hall, Inverness has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
We understand the importance of this consultation and are committed to ensuring the community has the opportunity to engage with the project team and review the proposed access track improvements. A new date for the consultation will be shared in due course.
For updates and further information, please continue to visit the project website or contact our Community Liaison Manager, Martin Godwin, at martin.godwin@sse.com.
Thank you for your understanding.
Public Consultation Event - Access Track Upgrades
We are seeking feedback from local residents and stakeholders as part of our pre-application consultation for proposed upgrades to an existing forestry access track near Glenmoriston. These upgrades are essential to support the delivery of a new transformer at Glenmoriston Substation, helping to secure local electricity supply and support renewable energy generation.
Why are these upgrades needed?
The transformer at Glenmoriston Substation is approaching the end of its operational life. This equipment is vital for converting electricity from 11kV to 132kV, enabling renewable energy from the Glenmoriston and Livishie hydroelectric power stations to be exported to the national grid. Without replacement, the risk of transformer failure increases, which could disrupt local renewable energy generation and affect electricity supply to homes and businesses in the area.
Why planning permission is required
To safely and efficiently deliver the new transformer and associated equipment, we need to upgrade the existing access track. These upgrades are the main focus of this planning application.
What's proposed?
- Use of the existing forestry track from the western boundary of the site
- A working corridor of approximately 5 metres on either side of the track for widening and structural improvements
- Replacement of two bridge structures that are unsuitable for heavy construction vehicles
- Establishment of a temporary construction compound adjacent to the upgraded track to support site operations
Join Us at the public consultation event
We invite you to attend our drop-in event to learn more, ask questions, and share your views:
Date: Wednesday 01 October
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Venue: Glenmoriston Millennium Hall, IV63 7YAYour feedback will help shape the final proposals before a planning application is submitted. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your thoughts.
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We're here to lend a helping hand
We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.
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Report on Consultation Published.
The Report on Consultation has now been published in our Project Documents section. You can download it or request a hard copy by contacting the Community Liaison Manager at ryan.davidson@sse.com
Documents
Access Track Consultation Materials - October 2025
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Maps for Glenmoriston access track upgrade consultation.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 23 October 2025
- Size:
- 2.1 MB
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Glenmoriston Consultation Poster - Oct 25.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 17 October 2025
- Size:
- 176.5 KB
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Glenmoriston Consultation Booklet -Oct 25.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 17 October 2025
- Size:
- 3.9 MB
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