Overview
Status: Operational Phase
About the Project
The project comprises the following elements:
Knocknagael to Tomatin
Construct approximately 20km of 275kV double circuit overhead line between Knocknagael and Tomatin Substations on a new alignment.
Knocknagael to Farr
Dismantle the existing 132kV overhead line between Knocknagael and Farr Substations.
Tomatin Substation
Construct a new 275/132kV substation near Tomatin, adjacent to the existing Beauly to Boat of Garten 132kV double circuit overhead line. This project was completed and energised in 2019.
Knocknagael Substation
Connect the existing 132kV overhead line from Beauly to Knocknagael via a new sealing end compound (where overhead lines terminate onto underground cables), and connect the proposed Knocknagael to Tomatin 275kV overhead line via a new sealing end compound.
3D Visualisation
This video provides a fly-through visualisation of the proposed Tomatin Substation.
Transformer Delivery to Tomatin Substation 2018
With the exterior complete and the work on the interiors progressing well, October 2018 saw the delivery of the two transformers which will sit at the heart of Tomatin Substation.
- The transformers were manufactured in Milan, shipped to Inverness via Venice and then delivered by road to Tomatin, a total of over 4,000 miles.
- Each transformer weighs 194 tonnes, which is roughly equivalent to 43 African elephants
- The specialist haulage vehicles, including 3Nr. Large traction lorries, known as Trojans, each weigh 460 tonnes (loaded) and have a total of 280 wheels
“Watching the transformers make the final part of their journey down the A9 and on to our site at Tomatin was incredibly satisfying, as it marked the culmination of many months of hard work and planning behind the scenes by not only our own team, but also the manufacturers in Milan and our specialist haulier.” - Alistair Muir, Project Manager
Watch the video below of the Transformers being delivered to Tomatin Substation, which was connected to the grid in 2019:
Why is the Project Required?
As the transmission licence holder in the north of Scotland, we have a duty under Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity. We have obligations to offer non-discriminatory terms for connection to the transmission system, both for new generation and for new sources of electricity demand.
The aim of the project is to enable renewable energy to connect to our transmission network. Under our Network Operators Licence this connection should be efficient, co-ordinated and economic, whilst having the least possible impact on the environment.
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.
Tomatin Substation Extention
Kirsty McNamara is the Community Liaison Manager for the Tomatin Substation Extention project that involves any future works at this site. For updates and contact information on the Extension project please view the webpage here.
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
Project updates
All updates for this project
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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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Boat of Garten to Tomatin 132kV Re-conductoring
In December 2019 we submitted to The Highland Council a planning application for the retention of access track (retrospective) at Telecommunications Tower, Slochd, Carrbridge, under reference 19/05582/FUL.The Highland Council on the 11th of February 2020 granted this planning permission and therefore the access track will remain. All other access tracks will be reinstated by the end of March 2020.
Boat of Garten to Tomatin 132kV Re-conductoring
In December 2019 we submitted to The Highland Council a planning application for the retention of access track (retrospective) at Telecommunications Tower, Slochd, Carrbridge, under reference 19/05582/FUL.The Highland Council on the 11th of February 2020 granted this planning permission and therefore the access track will remain. All other access tracks will be reinstated by the end of March 2020.
Dismantling of 132kV Overhead Line
Our Principal Contractor; MSVE have begun to start dismantling the 132kV line that runs from Knocknagael to Farr substation, this will consist of 41 towers being removed. There will also be a section taken down south of Tomatin substation which will consist of 9 towers being dismantled. -
Successful energisation of new substation at Tomatin
Tomatin substation marked a significant project milestone towards the end of 2019 by completing its first energisation in November.To view a short video of Project Manager Alistair Muir commenting on the project please click on the image. -
Overhead Line Community Liaison Group - Farr
Please see the project documentation tab for the minutes of our recent meeting held in March.
Overhead Line Community Liaison Group - Farr
Please see the project documentation tab for the minutes of our recent meeting held in March.
Overhead Line Community Liaison Group - Farr
Please see the project documentation tab for the minutes of our recent meeting held in March.
Overhead Line Community Liaison Group - Farr
Please see the project documentation tab for the minutes of our recent meeting held in March.
Overhead Line Community Liaison Group - Farr
Please see the project documentation tab for the minutes of our recent meeting held in March. -
Overhead Line between Knocknagael and Tomatin Complete
The 18 month project to erect a new overhead line between the existing substation at Knocknagael and the new substation at Tomatin, which is currently under construction is complete. Once the Tomatin substation is energised this will allow the new line to also be energised and then works will begin to dismantle the existing 132kV line between Knocknagael and Farr.To view a short video of Project Manager Joanne Seath commenting on the project please click on the image. -
Christmas Present from SSE to Strathdearn
A big thank you has been received from Strathdearn Community to SSEN Transmission on the Strathdearn Community website for works carried out repairing Station Road which forms part of the Tomatin path network, connecting the bus stop on the A9 North to the village centre. To read the article in full please use the link https://strathdearn.org/about/news/481-christmas-present-from-sse-to-strathdearn.html -
Power to the pupils as local school gets involved in transformer deliveries
Pupils at Strathdearn Primary School have been getting a unique insight into the planning and logistical tasks behind the delivery of two 194-tonne transformers to SSEN Transmission's newly constructed Tomatin substation.Given their size and the various modes of transport that were used as part of the transformers’ installation, SSEN Transmission’s project team thought that their pan-continental journey could lend itself to an interesting project for the local primary school pupils, and so contacted Judith Pirie, Headteacher at Strathdearn Primary School.Judith Pirie said that the mini-project was very much in line with current initiative in education to generate an interest in, and connections with, careers associated with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and was also useful for illustrating the wide range of employment roles that are out there. She also said that the pupils enjoyed meeting the teams from SSEN Transmission and their contractor Amey, and it gave them a fascinating insight into what was a very complex technical operation. -
From Milan to Tomatin via Venice and the A9
As the owner of the transmission network for the north of Scotland, SSEN Transmission has an important part to play in the UK’s transition towards a low-carbon economy, as more and more renewable generators are looking to connect to the grid.One of SSEN Transmission's large scale infrastructure projects which will help with this increasing demand for connections is the newly built substation at Tomatin, 16 miles south of Inverness. Construction started in January 2018, and prior to that the substation was three years in planning.With the exterior complete and the work on the interiors progressing well, earlier this month saw the delivery of the two transformers which will sit at the heart of the £39m premises.Now that the transformers are in place, the construction phase of Tomatin substation is nearing completion, and SSEN Transmission is hoping to have it connected to the grid and energised in July 2019.To see one of the transformers on the last leg of its journey to the Tomatin substation, click on the image. -
Tree felling operation - Dunlichity to Balnafoich Road
Traffic control measures at Dunlichty- Balnafoich Road, 100m east of the entrance to Crask. Please see "project documentation" for more information.
School pupils set to go Farr in project management
The pupils of Farr Primary have been working together to look at ways of improving their school garden to make it fully inclusive for everyone at the school and reached out to us to make their ideas a reality. When Farr Primary approached the CLG for help, our overhead line contractors, MSVE, stepped up and offered to provide the pupils with a fully interactive project management experience, from initial site survey through to design, construction and completion.Colin Kelly, MSVE Construction Manager, explains, “To date, our team of engineers have visited the school and with the help of appointed team leaders have surveyed the garden. Layout drawings will be produced to scale allowing the pupils to interact with the current layout and design their new garden. From there, through visits with the school, we will turn their drawings into a reality showing the pupils every step involved in designing and building a project and show them the basic processes of a construction job.”
Tomatin Substation Community Liaison Group
Our next Community Liaison Group for the Tomatin substation is on 4 April 2018. If you have issues, concerns or comments you would like discussed at a CLG, please contact any of the Tomatin or SHE Transmission representatives. If you wish to attend a CLG in person, you are required to declare an agenda item in advance to Community Liaison Manager, Jenna Black.
Tomatin Substation Community Liaison Group
Our next Community Liaison Group for the Tomatin substation is on 4 April 2018. If you have issues, concerns or comments you would like discussed at a CLG, please contact any of the Tomatin or SHE Transmission representatives. If you wish to attend a CLG in person, you are required to declare an agenda item in advance to Community Liaison Manager, Jenna Black.
Tomatin Substation Community Liaison Group
Our next Community Liaison Group for the Tomatin substation is on 4 April 2018. If you have issues, concerns or comments you would like discussed at a CLG, please contact any of the Tomatin or SHE Transmission representatives. If you wish to attend a CLG in person, you are required to declare an agenda item in advance to Community Liaison Manager, Jenna Black.
Tomatin Substation Community Liaison Group
Our next Community Liaison Group for the Tomatin substation is on 4 April 2018. If you have issues, concerns or comments you would like discussed at a CLG, please contact any of the Tomatin or SHE Transmission representatives. If you wish to attend a CLG in person, you are required to declare an agenda item in advance to Community Liaison Manager, Jenna Black.
Tomatin Substation Community Liaison Group
Our next Community Liaison Group for the Tomatin substation is on 4 April 2018. If you have issues, concerns or comments you would like discussed at a CLG, please contact any of the Tomatin or SHE Transmission representatives. If you wish to attend a CLG in person, you are required to declare an agenda item in advance to Community Liaison Manager, Jenna Black.
Tomatin Substation Community Liaison Group
Our next Community Liaison Group for the Tomatin substation is on 4 April 2018. If you have issues, concerns or comments you would like discussed at a CLG, please contact any of the Tomatin or SHE Transmission representatives. If you wish to attend a CLG in person, you are required to declare an agenda item in advance to Community Liaison Manager, Jenna Black. -
Tomatin Village Shop
We are very pleased to report that the proposal for small vehicle use on the Glen Road to support Tomatin Village Shop has been approved. There are some voluntary restrictions to be agreed with the Community Liaison Group (CLG) and Strathdearn Community Council, namely the speed limit, the route plan and the trial period. The CLG will monitor the progress of the arrangement and make adjustments to the voluntary restrictions as appropriate.
Tomatin Village Shop
We are very pleased to report that the proposal for small vehicle use on the Glen Road to support Tomatin Village Shop has been approved. There are some voluntary restrictions to be agreed with the Community Liaison Group (CLG) and Strathdearn Community Council, namely the speed limit, the route plan and the trial period. The CLG will monitor the progress of the arrangement and make adjustments to the voluntary restrictions as appropriate.
Application (17/04217/S42) under Section 42 for non-compliance with Condition 9 of planning permission 16/00769/FUL to allow for extended working hours
The application under section 42 of planning permission 16/00769/FUL for the construction of Tomatin substation has now been determined and we welcome the decision by The Highland Council (THC) to approve our application. Please see "Project Documentation" -
Reinforcement works begin at Tomatin
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has now commenced the construction of a new substation and overhead line as part of the Knocknagael-Tomatin reinforcement project.Please see "project documentation" for more information. -
Tomatin Community Liaison Group visit to Tomatin Substation
Our project team were delighted to welcome members of the Tomatin Community Liaison Group (CLG) to site on 25 October. The visit gave the opportunity for the project team to show the progress which has been made during the enabling works and in advance of the main construction works commencing. Alistair Muir, Project Manager said, "The site visit was positive and constructive, and we will continue to work closely with local stakeholders as the project progresses through construction. Feedback from the local community will continue to play a vital role throughout project delivery”.
Tomatin CLG minutes - August 2017
We held the fourth Community Liaison Group meeting on 9 August 2017. The Community Liaison Group (CLG) is made up of representatives from the local community as well as Strathdearn Community Council, Councillors from Inverness South and project representatives from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc. The date of the next CLG is 25 October. If you have any queries relating to this project please contact Jenna Black, Community Liaison Manager. The minutes can be found under 'Project Documentation'. -
Section 42 application – weekend working proposal
Please see "project documentation" - Section 42 application – weekend working proposal for further information. -
Tomatin CLG minutes - June 2017
Minutes from the third Community Liaison Group - Tomatin Substation. Minutes can be found under the "project documentation" tab.Scottish Government – Section 37 determination
Simon Robertson, Lead Project Manager at SSEN, said: “The application under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the Knocknagael to Tomatin overhead transmission line project has now been determined and we welcome the decision by the Scottish Government to approve our application. In our application for consent we identified and committed to environmental mitigation and a detailed environmental management plan which will ensure construction impacts are minimised. We will now prepare for the construction phase and are fully committed to keeping the local community and other interested parties updated as the project progresses.”Please see "Project Documentation" tab for Scottish Government determination and Public Notice. -
Tomatin CLG minutes - March 2017
We held our second Community Liaison Group meeting on 22 March 2017. The Community Liaison Group (CLG) is made up of representatives from the local community as well as Strathdearn Community Council, Councillors from Inverness South and project representatives from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc. Following planning consent, meetings will take place at regular intervals to discuss any matters relating to the Knocknagael – Tomatin project in the lead up to and during the construction period. Minutes will be made publically available via this website and through local channels such at Strathdearn Community Council and their newsletter. The date of the next CLG is 7 June 2017 1830 – 2000. If you have any queries relating to this project please contact Jenna Black, Community Liaison Manager. The minutes and CLG Terms of Reference can be found under 'Project Documentation'. -
Proposed 132 kV Tom nan Clach Windfarm – Tomatin Substation
A request had been made to National Grid by the developer of Tom nan Clach wind farm to provide a grid connection to connect the wind farm to the transmission network. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHE Transmission) were contracted to provide a 132kV connection spanning from the consented wind farm substation to the 132/275kV Tomatin substation, near Garbole. The wind farm developer has since opted to terminate their contract with National Grid and progress with an alternative grid connection, therefore SHE Transmission will not be progressing the Tom nan Clach project. -
Community Liaison Group set up meeting
We held our first Community Liaison Group meeting on 11 January 2017. The Community Liaison Group (CLG) is made up of representatives from the local community as well as Strathdearn Community Council, Councillors from Inverness South and project representatives from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc. Following planning consent, meetings will take place at regular intervals to discuss any matters relating to the Knocknagael – Tomatin project in the lead up to and during the construction period. Minutes will be made publically available via this website and through local channels such at Strathdearn Community Council and their newsletter. The date of the next CLG is 22 March 2017 1830 – 2030. If you have any queries relating to this project please contact Jenna Black, Community Liaison Manager. The minutes can be found under 'Project Documentation'. -
Highland Council approve Tomatin substation proposal
Project Manager for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, Simon Robertson, said: “We welcome today’s decision by the Highland Council to approve our planning application for Tomatin substation. As a responsible developer we have gone through a rigorous development process, taking into account a range of technical, environmental and economic considerations. Feedback from the local community played an important part in the identification of a suitable location and design, which has been carefully designed to minimise the visual impact of the development in the surrounding area. We will now engage further with the council to address the conditions attached to the consent and are fully committed to keep the local community and other interested parties updated as we prepare for the construction phase.” -
Highland Council site visit and hearing
We have received confirmation that the site visit and hearing by the Highland Council on their planning application for the proposed substation at Tomatin will take place on Tuesday 8 November 2016. All documents and drawings associated to the proposed Tomatin Substation development can be viewed via The Highland Council Planning Portal: http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/180/planning_-_applications_warrants_and_certificates/143/planning_permission/6 under reference number 16/00769/FUL. -
Decision on Tomatin substation postponed
Simon Robertston, Project Manager, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said: “The planned substation at Garbole near Tomatin is part of a wider project to reinforce the electricity transmission network in the Strathdearn area. During the course of project, we conducted a programme of extensive consultation and have modified our plans in response to feedback received from the local community and interested stakeholders. “We note today’s announcement and will continue to work constructively with all parties to provide the information required for a fully informed decision.” -
Proposal of Application Notice
We have now submitted the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to The Highland Council under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(Scotland) Regulations 2008. This notice states our intent to submit a planning application to The Highland Council to construct and operate a new 275/132kV substation near Tomatin at National Grid Reference (NGR): 275458 825177.
Gallery
Progress Gallery
A selection of photographs taken from both Knocknagael and Tomatin substations and the overhead line route documenting the project construction progress.
FAQs
FAQs
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