Overview
Status: Project Refinement
About the Project
We are currently developing proposals to reinforce the high voltage electricity network from Ardmore on the Isle of Skye to Fort Augustus. The existing 132kV overhead transmission line from Fort Augustus to Ardmore is the sole connection from the mainland electricity transmission system to Skye and the Western Isles, and is essential for maintaining security of supply in the area.
Recent studies into the condition of the existing infrastructure have indicated that the section of overhead line between Quoich substation and Ardmore substation requires to be rebuilt, and the existing line removed upon completion of the new line.
Furthermore, as a result of an increase in renewable energy projects requesting access to the electricity transmission network, there is a requirement to increase the capacity of the overhead line to allow renewable developments to connect.
Fort Augustus Substation to Broadford Substation
We are proposing to construct a new double circuit 132kV overhead line (OHL) comprising steel structures. The existing Fort Augustus to Skye Tee 132kV trident wood pole OHL and the existing 132kV steel lattice OHL between Skye Tee and Broadford would be dismantled and removed once the new OHL is operational.
Broadford Substation to Edinbane Substation
The existing single circuit wood pole trident 132kV OHL would be replaced with a new double circuit 132kV OHL comprising steel structures. The existing OHL would be dismantled and removed once the new OHL is operational.
Edinbane Substation to Ardmore Substation
The existing single circuit wood pole trident 132kV OHL would be replaced with a new higher capacity 132kV trident wood pole OHL. During construction, the existing OHL and its replacement would run in tandem but on energisation of the new OHL, the existing OHL would be dismantled and removed.
Why is the Project Required?
Securing Supply
The current overhead line was constructed between 1956 and 1989, and after a long service is now reaching the end of its operational capabilities. The replacement is essential to maintain security of supply to homes and businesses along its route, as well as to the Western Isles which is supplied by two subsea cables from the north of Skye.
Connecting Renewables
There is demand to connect new renewable electricity generation on Skye, which requires an increase in capacity of the overhead line.
Network for Net Zero
We intend to ‘future proof’ the replacement line to allow the connection of additional renewables to help meet government Net Zero climate change targets, supporting the transition to Net Zero emissions.
Film: Over the Hills to Skye 1978
The film, produced by the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board (now Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) and Balfour Beatty, illustrates the trials associated with the construction of the original line which connected the Isle of Skye to the mainland of Scotland in the 1970s.
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
Featured updates
Featured updates for this project
C1144 Road works - Road Open 20 December - 10 January
C1144 Road Closure- Works update week commencing 18 November 2024
Glenelg - Upcoming Road Works Notification
Glengarry and Glenelg - Ground Investigation Works
Project updates
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C1144 Road works - Road Open 20 December - 10 January
There will be no road works during the festive holidays (20 December 2024 - 03 January 2024). The C1144 will be fully accessible during this time.
Works will re-commence week commencing 06th January. There's no planned closure during this week but stop/go operations might be in place in certain locations.
Going forward, any temporary enforcement of the road closure order will be communicated in advance where possible. -
C1144 - CHANGE TO ROAD WORKS SCHEDULE w/c 19 November
Please note: Due to the cold weather access restrictions on the C1144 Kinloch Hourn Road will now run into Thursday 21 November 2024 on bridges Bhiora (10) and Ardochy East (10c19)A map showing the bridge locations can be found here.
Works are undertaken under the general Road Closure Order:
Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:30
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
C1144 Road Closure- Works update week commencing 18 November 2024
Please find below the the expected/planned work schedule for next week.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.
We thank all road users for passing the road works with care and at the appropriate speed which helps keeping the workforce safe.Works Update Week Commencing 18 November 2024
C1144 (Kinloch Hourn Road) - timed, localised road closure during the following dates/at the following locations:
Tuesday 19th November 2024: resurfacing of bridges Chorainn (20), Inchlaggan (30), Tomdoun (40)
Monday 18th November 2024: resurfacing of bridges Aultnaslat (50), ‘Unnamed’ (50c14), Poll-airigh (50c43), Gohbhain (60)
Wednesday 20th November 2024: resurfacing of bridges Bhiora (10), Ardochy East (10c19), Ardochy West (10c60)A map showing the bridge locations can be found here.
Traffic might also be slightly delayed in other locations on the C1144 due to tree cutting works.
Works are undertaken under the general Road Closure Order:Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:30
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com -
C1144 Road Closure- Works update week commencing 04 November 2024
Please find below the expected/planned work schedule for week commencing 04 November 2024.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.
We thank all road users for passing the road works with care and at the appropriate speed which helps keeping the workforce safe.Works Update Week Commencing 04 November 2024
C1144 Kinloch Hourn Road:
Tue 05 – Thu 07 November: timed, localised road closure at Poll-arigh bridgeAll other bridge locations are passable with care. A map showing the bridge locations can be found here.
Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:30
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
C1144 Road Closure- Works update week commencing 28 October 2024
Please find below the the expected/planned work schedule for next week.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.
We thank all road users for passing the road works with care and at the appropriate speed which helps keeping the workforce safe.Works Update Week Commencing 28 October 2024
C1144 (Kinloch Hourn Road)
Monday - Wednesday: timed, localised road closure at Gobhain Bridge, with contractors aiming to keep closure to Monday only
Tuesday – Thursday: timed, localised road closure at Alt na H’Eiric Bridge, with contractors aiming to keep closure to Wednesday only
Friday: beam removal works at Poll-airigh Bridge might start, but contractors are expecting road to be kept open on Friday
All other bridge locations are passable with care. A map showing the bridge locations can be found here.
Works are undertaken under the general Road Closure Order:Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:30
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
C1144 Road Closure- Works update week commencing 21 October 2024
Please find below the expected/planned work schedule for next week and the week after.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.
We thank all road users for passing the road works with care and at the appropriate speed which helps keeping the workforce safe.Works Update Week Commencing 21 October 2024
C1144:
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday: timed, localised road closure at Aultnaslat Bridge
Thursday/Friday: timed, localised road closure at Inshlaggan Bridge
All other bridge locations are passable with care. A map showing the bridge locations can be found here.
Earthworks at Ardochy Access Track will continue on Mon/Tue and might result in increased traffic due to stone deliveries.
Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:30
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Glenelg - Upcoming Road Works Notification
This note is to inform about the following upcoming road works in and near the village of Glenelg.
Timing: works are planned to start week commencing 04 November 2024 (for the expected duration of 3 weeks)
Works locations and details:
Road leading from Bernera Bay to the Glenelg Ferry Slipway:- finishing off the road widenings which were started earlier this year
- small section of post and rail fence to secure road edge
C1223 - Road leading to Glenelg:- Extension of one existing layby
Traffic management: All of the above works will be underaken under stop/go operations. Timed, localised road closures might be required for the final laying of tar (any such closures would be communicated in advance).
A small temporary work compound will need to be set up at Bernera Bay, Glengelg, which may result in some additional traffic at the beginning and end of the works.
We thank all road users for their patience and understanding during these works and apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause.
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works update week commencing 14 October 2024 - C1144 Road Closure
Please find below the expected/planned work schedule for next week and the week after.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.We thank all road users for passing the road works with care and at the appropriate speed which helps keeping the workforce safe.
Works Update Week Commencing 14 October 2024
C1144:
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday: timed, localised road closure at Tomdoun Bridge; other bridge locations are passable with care.
Thursday/Friday: timed, localised road closure at Aultnaslat; other bridge locations are passable with care.
A map showing the bridge locations can be found here.
Ardochy Access Track: Earthworks at the access track will result in increased traffic due to stone deliveries.Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:30
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works update week commencing 07 October 2024 - C1144 Road Closure
C1144 KINLOCH HOURN ROAD WORKS
Please find below the expected/planned work schedule for the road works on the C1144 for week commencing 07 October 2024.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.We thank all road users for passing the road works with care and at the appropriate speed which helps keeping the workforce safe.
Works Update Week Commencing 07 October 2024
C1144:
Monday/Tuesday: timed, localised road closure at Tomdoun Bridge – other bridge locations are passable with care.
Wednesday/Thursday: timed, localised road closure at Chorainn Bridge – other bridge locations are passable with care.
A map showing the bridge locations can be found here.Ardochy Access Track: Earthworks at the access track will result in increased traffic due to stone deliveries (on average 5 lorries per day Mon-Fri)
Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:30
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Glengarry and Glenelg - Ground Investigation Works
Our contractors Balfour Beatty are planning to undertake some Ground Investigation works (GI works) in the Glengarry and Glenelg area. These works are scheduled to start week commencing 7th October 2024 and are expected to run over an eight week period. The programme and a map are available on the respective links.
The works will be undertaken at bridge locations on access tracks. We do not expect these works to have any significant impact on local communities.The works are called ‘Slit Trenching’ - Slit Trenching is the process of creating a narrow trench using an excavator to determine the underlying ground conditions. This information is then used to inform the final design of transmission line and associated access.
Please address any questions to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
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Works update week commencing 30 September 2024 - C1144 ROAD CLOSURE
C1144 KINLOCH HOURN ROAD WORKS
Please find below the expected/planned work schedule for the road works on the C1144 for week commencing 30 September 2024.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.We also thank all road users for passing the road works with care and at the appropriate speed which helps keeping the workforce safe.
Works Update Week Commencing 30 September 2024C1144: timed, localised road closure at Tomdoun Bridge – other bridge locations are passable with care. Timings of closure below, for a map see here.
C1144: Earthworks at Ardochy Access Track will result in increased traffic due to stone deliveries (on average 5 lorries per day Mon-Fri)
Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:30
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works update week commencing 23 September 2024 - C1144 ROAD CLOSURE
C1144 KINLOCH HOURN ROAD WORKS
Please find below the expected/planned work schedule for the road works on the C1144 for the week commencing 23 September 2024.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.
Key change to note from previous weeks: With immediate effect the road now remains open for the weekends from FRIDAYS 12:30 (Stop/Go operations might be in place on Friday afternoons).
Week commencing 23 September 2024:C1144 Monday-Thursday: timed, localised road closure between (an including) the bridges Ardochy East and Inchlaggan (map)
C1144 Friday: timed, localised road closure between (an including) the bridges Ardochy East and Tomdoun (map)
Road Closed (Mon-Thu)
Road Open (Mon-Thu)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:00
Road Closed (Fri)
Road Open (Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
From 12:30 onwards
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works update w/c 16 September 2024 - ROAD CLOSURE
C1144 KINLOCH HOURN ROAD WORKS
Please find below the expected/planned work schedule for the road works on the C1144 for the week commencing 16 September 2024.
Please note that this schedule might change at short notice as the team on the road might always face unexpected scenarios. Any significant deviations from the below will be communicated.The road closures will unfortunately need to be much more strictly enforced from this week onwards as the contractors are moving to the beam removal works which requires them to open up the entire road surface.
Week commencing 16 September 2024:
C1144: timed, localised road closure between (an including) the bridges ‘Ardochy East’ and ‘Aultnaslat’ (for a map see here)Road Closed (Mon-Fri)
Road Open (Mon-Fri)
08:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:00
Road remains open all day Saturday and Sunday.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
Please direct any enquiries to skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works update for week commencing 09 September 2024 - ROAD CLOSURE
Work Update for week commencing 09 September 2024
C1144: From Tuesday 03 September - bridge strengthening works under temporary localised road closure with timed openings as follows:
Road Closed
Road Open
08:30* – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:00
*Please note: the morning road closure has been delayed from 8am to 8.30 am to allow for local requirements based on feedback recieved.
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
RJ MacLeod will minimise actual closure times as much as possible and will do their utmost to remain flexible where possible during closure times. We would be grateful for your assistance and if you could schedule any deliveries and travel accordingly where possible.
During the week commencing 09 September:
- Access will be maintained throughout the for the services mentioned in the Highland Council notice, including emergency services.
- RJ mcleod carrying out scaffolding works on C1144 Road beginning at entrance to C1144 Road A9 Access installing scaffold on bridges
- Loch Ness tree surgeons carrying out devegging works at various locations on C1144 for bridge works
- The road will be open all weekend (14/15 Sep) – Stop/Go operation might be in place during the weekend.
During the week commencing the 09 September works will be carried out in the following areas:
- Bhiora C11440010
- Ardochy East C11440010c19
- Ardochy west Bheithe C11440010c60
- Chorainn C11440020
- Inchlaggan C11440030
- Tomdoun C11440040.
The road will remain open to the East of ‘Bhiora’ bridge and to the West of ‘Ardochy East’ bridge.
For any questions please contact:
skye.reinforcement@sse.com -
Works udpate for week commencing 02 September 2024 - ROAD CLOSURE
Works pdate for week commencing 02 September 2024
C1144: From Tuesday 03 September - bridge strengthening works under temporary localised road closure with timed openings
The Highland Council road closure order reads as follows:
Road Closed
Road Open
08:00 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 17:30
17:30 – 08:00
“Access will be maintained throughout the closures for: Emergency Services, Postal Services, Waste Collection and School Transport. Other deliveries outside the opening times will be accommodated where possible to do so.“ (The Highland Council, 20 Aug 2024).
During the week commencing 02 September:
- The first day of closure is Tuesday 03 September 2024 (Road open Monday 02 September but possibly stop/go operations that day)
- The road will be open all weekend (07/08 Sep) – Stop/Go operation might be in place during the weekend.
- Access will be maintained throughout the for the services mentioned in the Highland Council notice, including emergency services.
During the week commencing the 02 September the following bridges will be worked on:
- Bhiora
- Ardochy East
The road will remain open to the East of ‘Bhiora’ bridge and to the West of ‘Ardochy East’ bridge.
For any questions please contact:
skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works update for week commencing 12 August 2024
Works Update week commencing 12 August 2024
Please note: the planned work schedule below might be subject to change at short notice.
Glengarry (Section 4 & 5)
Faichemard Camping: Access track maintenance works to be finalised, start of start of demobilisation from site.
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: Localised Road Closure East of Inshlaggan on 15 August, no access between 8am-5pm.
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: West of Kingie, Trial Pit works under Stop/Go operation at two locations, short delays of up to 15mins max possible.
Glenelg/Arnisdale (Section 4)
Moyle/Ratagan: establishment of small welfare compound, vegetation clearance
For any questions please contact:
skye.reinforcement@sse.com -
Works Update week commencing 29 July 2024
Works Update week commencing 29 July 2024
Please note: the planned work schedule below might be subject to change at short notice.
Glengarry (Section 4 & 5)
Faichemard Camping: Access track maintenance works – works expected to be completed by 09 August 2024
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: no road works week commencing 29 July 2024
Kingie Site Compound: The Delivery of a water tank on Monday 29 August is expected to be the last sizeable delivery. Further installation work ongoing on site.
*Advance notice* for the Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: Traffic Management in form of localised road closures are expected to come into force from w/c 5 August 2024. Further details will be provided as soon as they have been confirmed.
Edinbane (Section 1)
Substation: Archaeological works ongoing. (Start date 15 July, expected duration 3-4weeks)
For any questions please contact:
skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works Update week commencing week 22 July 2024 (** last updated Mon 22 Jul)
Works Update week commencing 22 July 2024
Please note: the planned work schedule below might be subject to change at short notice.
Glengarry (Section 4 & 5)
Faichemard Camping: Access track maintenance works – Works on going.
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: no works this week
Kingie Site Compound: potential set up of site compound (delivery of cabins) - ** now confirmed for Tuesday 23 July , please expect increased traffic and low loaders on the C1144 and approach roads.
Edinbane (Section 1)
Substation: Archaeological works commenced 15/07/24, in the area surrounding Edinbane Substation. Expected to last 3 weeks.
For any questions please contact:
skye.reinforcement@sse.comProject Update w/c 15 July 24
Works Update week commencing 15 July 2024
Please note: the planned work schedule below might be subject to change at short notice.
Glengarry (Section 4 & 5)
Faichemard Camping: Access track maintenance works – Works on going.
A87 Crossing: Access track maintenance works – Work Completed
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: ground investigations around retaining road infrastructure (walls, gabion baskets); work locations will be under traffic management (stop/go operations); short delays possible west of Kingie. No road closures. Starting 04/07 – Work Ongoing
Glenelg and Arnisdale (Section 4)
Bernera Bay Site Compound: removal of cabins complete; final site clearance ongoing – Site cleared and removed.
Kyleakin (Section 3)
Kyle Farm (off A87): Access track maintenance works complete and site demobilised.
Sconser (Section 2)
Moll Road: Road Works, open for access only. Tarring of road completed, reinstated works ongoing.
For any questions please contact:
skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works Update W/C 08 July 2024
Please note: the planned work schedule below might be subject to change at short notice.
Glengarry (Section 4 & 5)
Faichemard Camping: Access track maintenance works – Works on going.
Munerigie: Access track maintenance works – Works on going, completed by 12/07.
A87 Crossing: Access track maintenance works – Works on going, completed by 12/07.
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: ground investigations around retaining road infrastructure (walls, gabion baskets); work locations will be under traffic management (stop/go operations); short delays possible west of Kingie. No road closures. Starting 04/07.
Glenelg and Arnisdale (Section 4)
Bernera Bay Site Compound: removal of cabins complete; final site clearance ongoing – Site cleared and removed
Kyleakin (Section 3)
Kyle Farm (off A87): Access track maintenance works complete. Site to be demobilised. – Site gone.
Sconser (Section 2)
Moll Road: Road Works, open for access only. RJM to commence taring road at Moll, 04/07.
Drone Survey: Possibility of a drone survey taking place (weather dependant)For any questions please contact:
skye.reinforcement@sse.com -
Works Update w/c 01 July 2024
Please note: the planned work schedule below might be subject to change at short notice. Further information on work locations are available in the works document section.
Glengarry (Section 4 & 5)
Faichemard Camping: Access track maintenance works.
Munerigie: Access track maintenance works.
A87 Crossing: Access track maintenance works.
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: ground investigations around retaining road infrastructure (walls, gabion baskets); work locations will be under traffic management (stop/go operations); short delays possible west of Kingie. No road closures.
Glenelg and Arnisdale (Section 4)
Bernera Bay Site Compound: removal of cabins complete; final site clearance ongoing.
Kyleakin (Section 3)Kyle Farm (off A87): Access track maintenance works complete. Site to be demobilised.
Sconser (Section 2)Moll Road: Road Works, open for access only.
For any questions please contact:
Maren Ebeling, Community Liaison Manager
skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works Update w/c 24 June 2024
Please note: the planned work schedule below might be subject to change at short notice.
Glengarry (Section 4 & 5)
Faichemard Camping (off A87): Access track maintenance works continue.
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: Road works delayed. The road will remain open all week (please note this only refers to SSEN Transmission works).
Glenelg and Arnisdale (Section 4)
Bernera Bay Site Compound: Removal of cabins planned for Monday 24 June and Tuesday 25 June.
Kyleakin (Section 3)
Kyle Farm (off A87): Access track maintenance works. To be completed this week.
Sconser (Section 2)
Moll Road: Road Works, open for access only.
For any questions please contact:
Maren Ebeling, Community Liaison Manager
skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works Update w/c 17 June 2024
Please note that the below is the planned work schedule which might be subject to change at short notice.Glengarry (Section 4 and 5)
Faichemard Camping (off A87): Access track maintenance works continue.
Kinloch Hourn Road C1144: Road works delayed. The road will remain open all week (please note this only refers to SSEN Transmission works).
Glenelg/Arnisdale (Section 4)
Moyle/Ratagan: Clearing of windfall timber to be completed this week.
Kyleakin (Section 3)
Kyle Farm (off A87): Access track maintenance works continue.
Broadford and Strath (Section 2 and 3)
Broadford Substation: Drone Survey work, 18-19 June 2024 (weather dependent).
Sconser (Section 2)
Moll Road: Road Works, open for access only.
Struan (Section 0/1)
Edinbane Substation: Drone Survey work, 17-19 June 2024 (weather dependent).
For any questions please contact:Maren Ebeling, Community Liaison Manager
skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works Update w/c 10 June 2024
Please note that the below is the planned work schedule which might be subject to change at short notice.
Glengarry (Section 4 and 5)Faichemard Camping (off A87): Access track maintenance works continue. Further information on location here.
A87 (between Glengarry and Glengarry Viewpoint East): Bellmouth surveys; temporary traffic management might be in place to protect workforce. Short delays possible. Further information on locations available here.
Kinloch Hourn Road, C1144: Road works delayed. The road will remain open all week (please note this only refers to SSENT works).
Glenelg/Arnisdale (Section 4)Moyle/Ratagan: Access track maintenance work to start. Further information on location here.
Kyleakin (Section 3)Kyle Farm (off A87): Access track maintenance works continue. Further information on location here.
Sconser (Section 2)Moll Road: Road Works; road open for access only.
Sligachan: Drone survey works.
For any questions please contact:Maren Ebeling, Community Liaison Manager
skye.reinforcement@sse.com -
Works Update w/c 27 May 2024
Please note that the below is the planned work schedule which might be subject to change at short notice.
Invergarry (Section 4 and 5)Kinloch Hourn, Road C1144: Road works delayed. The road will remain open all week (please note this only refers to SSENT works).
Access Track, Faichemard Camping (off A87): Access Track Works taking place during the course of the week.
Quoich Bridge loop track: The plant will be delivered to site during the course of the week.
Glenelg (Section 4)Track at Beolary: Works finished; plant moved to Bernera Bay site compound from where it will be picked up early in the week. Pick up of plant using low loaders (planned Mon/Tue).
Bernera Bay: Welfare units now ready for movement. Pick up dates will be advised as soon as possible.
Broadford (Section 3)Proposed Accommodation Village site: Ground investigation work to inform environmental assessments. One digger on site.
Sligachan (Section 2)A87: Core trialling (continued). Traffic Management by ALBA, please expect short delays.
Sligachan:Drone Survey work (continued).
Look aheadInvergarry/Kinloch Hourn Road (Section 4 and 5): w/c 24 June transport of drilling rig.
For any questions please contact:Maren Ebeling, Community Liaison Manager
skye.reinforcement@sse.com
Works Update for week commencing 20 May 2024
Please note that the below is the planned work schedule which might be subject to change at short notice.
Invergarry (Section 4 and 5)Kinloch Hourn, Road C1144: Road works delayed. The road will remain open all week (please note this only refers to SSENT works).
Access Track, Faichemard Camping (off A87): Survey work taking place during the course of the week.
Glenelg (Section 4)Track at Beolary: Finalising capping works. Expected to be finished by Wed/Thu.
Bernera Bay: Welfare unit movement delayed. No activity this week.
Sligachan (Section 2)
A87: Core trialling (continued). Traffic Management by ALBA, please expect short delays.
Sligachan: Drone Survey work.
For any questions please contact:Maren Ebeling, Community Liaison Manager
skye.reinforcement@sse.com -
Ofgem’s decision to approve the Final Needs Case for the Fort Augustus to Skye Reinforcement Project
Following Ofgem’s decision to approve the Final Needs Case for the Fort Augustus to Skye Reinforcement Project, SSEN Transmission’s Managing Director Rob McDonald said:
“The existing Fort Augustus to Skye overhead line is fast reaching the end of its operational life, as demonstrated by two major faults in recent months which resulted in the temporary loss of power to over 20,000 customers along its route and in the Western Isles, which is supplied by two subsea cables from north Skye.
“Alongside the need to keep the lights on for homes and businesses along its route and in the Western Isles, the replacement line will also increase the capacity of the local electricity transmission network to enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation along its route. The need for this project is therefore beyond doubt and we welcome Ofgem’s final approval of need following its assessment of our robust Final Needs Case.
“We now look forward to the Scottish Government’s determination of our Section 37 planning application and remain committed to work constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of this critical local and national infrastructure, building on our proud heritage of powering the highlands and islands as we continue to deliver a network for net zero emissions and secure future electricity supplies across the north of Scotland.”
View Ofgem's Final Needs Case decision here
Please note that the regulatory Needs Case for the project is very much seperate to the Section 37 planning approval process, which is still under consideration by the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit. -
Section 37 Additional Information
Following the Section 37 application for the Skye Reinforcement Project to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) in October 2022, four pieces of additional information has been submitted to support the application.
These additional pieces include four alternative viewing angles from Kylerhea village and Bealach, a Peat Data Report, corrected figures rectifying some inaccuracies within the forestry chapter of the EIA, and a Derogation Case submitted in relation to Section 3 (Broadford to Kyle Rhea).
The documents can be viewed on the ECU website or via the 'Project Documents' tab on the left hand site of this webpage. -
Section 37 Submission
SSEN Transmission has now applied to the Scottish Ministers for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 to install and keep installed approximately 160km of new overhead line and underground cabling between the existing Ardmore substation located approximately 30km northwest of Portree, to the existing Fort Augustus substation located approximately 2.5km west/southwest of Fort Augustus. This includes 110km of new double circuit 132kV overhead line supported by steel lattice towers between Fort Augustus and Broadford, 27km of new single circuit 132kV overhead line supported by trident wood poles (H poles) between Broadford and Ardmore substation, and approximately 24km of double circuit 132kV underground cable. If you wish to view the Section 37 application that we have submitted, for the overhead line, you can view each of the individual documents which make up this application in our Project Documents tab on the left hand side of this page. This can be viewed via the link below. You can also view the Section 37 application on the Energy Consents Unit’s website https://www.energyconsents.scot/ The application reference is: ECU00003395
Thank you for sharing your views
Thank you for sharing your views with us
We recently launched a pre-application consultation exhibition to gain views and feedback on our proposals for Broadford Substation reinforcement and extension and Edinbane Substation reinforcement and extension.
The proposed substation works are an integral part of the Skye Reinforcement scheme, which will ensure security of supply to homes and businesses and facilitate the connection of renewable energy generation across the region. During our drop-in events held in Skeabost and Broadford on 8th September 2022, attendees were able to view key project information about our substation reinforcement and extension proposals, ask questions to the project team and share feedback ahead of submission of planning applications.
We also hosted an online Virtual Consultation Event on Monday 12th September.
Our feedback period closed on Friday 07th October, and we would like to extend thanks to all those who took the time to attend an event, or provide feedback to the team.
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Public Consultation Events - Broadford and Edinbane Substations
We are launching a pre-application consultation exhibition to gain views and feedback on our proposals for Broadford and Edinbane Substation reinforcement and extensions. The consultation eventswill be taking place on:Thursday 8th SeptemberSkeabost Memorial Hall,10:00 – 13:00Broadford Village Hall,15:00 – 19:00. We shall also be hosting an online virtual consultation event on Monday 12th September between 5-7pm which can be accessed from the project webpage prior to the event. -
Final Needs Case Submission
SSEN Transmission has submitted to the energy regulator, Ofgem, a Final Needs Case (FNC) for the proposed replacement of the existing Fort Augustus to Skye electricity transmission line, moving towards the final stages of the regulatory funding approvals process for the proposed project. -
Report on Consultation - Alignment Selection Skye Reinforcement Project March 2022
Report on Consultation - Alignment Selection Skye Reinforcement Project March 2022This report has been prepared to provide a summary of the responses received from stakeholders (including statutory and non-statutory consultees, local communities, landowners and individual residents) during consultation between September 2021 and January 2022 in response to the preferred alignment and design solution identified for the proposed Skye Reinforcement Project between Fort Augustus Substation and Ardmore Substation on the Isle of Skye. The report can be viewed under the Project Documentation tab. -
Alignment Public Consultations
Following virtual consultations that we held in June 2020 where we presented our preferred route for the replacement overhead line (OHL) that runs from Fort Augustus to Ardmore in the north of Skye, we are pleased to now be hosting the next round of consultations across dates in September and October where we will present our proposed alignment.To find out where the consultations are taking place and to complete a feedback form on our proposals please visit the project overview page by clicking on the link below. -
Virtual Consultation Events
To continue engagement on the Skye Reinforcement project, SSEN Transmission has developed an online consultation tool, to enable the local community to experience the full exhibition from home on a computer, tablet or mobile device. The online exhibition has been designed to look and feel like a real consultation in a community hall, with exhibition boards, maps, interactive videos and the opportunity to share views on the proposals.Visitors will be able to engage directly with the project team, via a live chat function, where they can ask any questions they might have about the project and share their feedback on the current proposals. The virtual consultation events will be taking place as follows:9 June 2020 14:00 - 16:0010 June 2020 10:00 - 12:0011 June 2020 18:00 - 20:00 -
Public Consultation Events Postponed
In line with Government and medical advice regarding Covid-19, SSEN Transmission has taken the decision to limit external engagement activities. We therefore took the decision to postpone our planned engagement events for the Skye Reinforcement Project. The four events that were scheduled to take place in Skye on 16th to 19th March and those scheduled to take place in the Great Glen 24th -26th March will not go ahead. We would like to apologise for the postponement of our consultation events and will be in touch with information once they have been rearranged.Although we will not be holding the events all the materials from the planned events, presenting our proposals, is available to be downloaded from the project documentation section of this webpage .Consultation is central to the development of our projects, it is an opportunity to share our proposals with the community and hear their views. Without this valuable feedback, we would be unable to progress projects and reach a balanced proposal. We would like to reassure the local community that by postponing our planned events the opportunity to provide their feedback has not been missed. SSEN Transmission takes its responsibilities as a provider of a critical national infrastructure very seriously. The SSE group has taken steps to protect colleagues, key sites and to maintain the effectiveness of teams. We are keeping a watching brief and have a comprehensive structure firmly in place and key personnel meeting daily to reassess the situation. All of the measures we take will be guided by government advice, and our decisions will meet the overriding objective of maintaining our key operations, taking good care of our colleagues, stakeholders and the communities we serve.The consultation events in the following locations have been cancelled:• Dunvegan Hall, Dunvegan: Monday 16 March 2020, 3pm – 7pm• Aros Centre, Portree: Tuesday 17 March 2020, 3pm – 7pm• Broadford Village Hall, Broadford: Wednesday 18 March 2020, 3pm – 7pm• Kyleakin Community Hall, Kyleakin: Thursday 19 March 2020, 3pm – 7pm• Glengarry Community Hall, Glengarry: Tuesday 24 March 2020, 3pm – 7pm• Glenelg Community Hall, Glenelg: Wednesday 25 March 2020, 3pm – 7pm• Fort Augustus Village Hall, Fort Augustus: Thursday 26 March 2020, 3pm – 7pm
Public Consultation Events
SSEN Transmission is holding a series of Public Consultation Events across Skye and the Highlands to gain views and feedback on our proposals to reinforce the high voltage electricity network, from Ardmore on the Isle of Skye, to Fort Augustus. Come meet us on the following dates to hear more about the project and provide feedback: Dunvegan Hall, DunveganMonday 16 March 20203pm – 7pmAros Centre, PortreeTuesday 17 March 20203pm – 7pmBroadford Village Hall, BroadfordWednesday 18 March 20203pm – 7pmKyleakin Community Hall, KyleakinThursday 19 March 20203pm – 7pmGlengarry Community Hall, GlengarryTuesday 24 March 20203pm – 7pmGlenelg Community Hall, GlenelgWednesday 25 March 20203pm – 7pmFort Augustus Village Hall, Fort AugustusThursday 26 March 20203pm – 7pm
Documents
Project Documents
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Glengarry_Glenelg - GI WORKS - BB - Slit Trench Programme - Oct2024.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 02 October 2024
- Size:
- 77.1 KB
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Glengarry_Glenelg - GI WORKS - BB - Slit Trench Map - Oct2024.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 02 October 2024
- Size:
- 4.3 MB
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C1144 Bridge Works Map - September 2024.png- Type:
- Image
- Date:
- 16 September 2024
- Size:
- 3.3 MB
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Section 5 - Ground Investigation Locations - Kingie - week commencing 01 June.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 03 July 2024
- Size:
- 540.8 KB
This document provides a map showing the locations of ground investigation works at Kingie beginning week commencing 01 July 2024.
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Section 5 - Bellmouth Surveys - Glengarry - week commencing 10 June 2024.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 07 June 2024
- Size:
- 166.2 KB
This document provides a map showing the Bellmouth survey locations at Glengarry beginning week commencing 10 June 2024.
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Section 1 - Access Track Maintenance - Glen Vic Askil.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 8.2 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 1 at Glen Vic Askil, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 1 - Access Track Maintenance - Highfield Wood 1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.8 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 1 at Highfield Wood, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 1 - Access Track Maintenance - Highfield Wood 2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.5 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 1 at Highfield Wood, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 1 - Access Track Maintenance - Highfield Wood 3.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 8.4 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 1 at Highfield Wood, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 3 - Access Track Maintenance - Kyle Farm 1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 10.1 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 3 at Kyle Farm, produced on 30 May 2024.
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Section 3 - Access Track Maintenance - Kyle Farm 2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.9 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 3 at Kyle Farm, produced on 30 May 2024.
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Section 3 - Access Track Maintenance - Kylerhea 1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.8 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 3 at Kylerhea, produced on 30 May 2024.
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Section 3 - Access Track Maintenance - Kylerhea 2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 8.9 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 3 at Kylerhea, produced on 30 May 2024.
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Section 4 - Access Track Maintenance - Beolary.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.6 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 4 at Beolary, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 4 - Access Track Maintenance - Loch Coire Shubh.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 10 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 4 at Loch Coire Shubh, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 4 - Access Track Maintenance - Moyle Ratagan.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.9 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 4 at Moyle Ratagan, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 4 - Access Track Maintenance - Quoich Loop Road 1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 8.2 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 4 at Quoich Loop Road, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 4 - Access Track Maintenance - Quoich Loop Road 2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.8 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 4 at Quoich Loop Road, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 4 - Access Track Maintenance - SSE Tracks.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 8 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 5 at SSE Tracks, produced on 05 June 2024.
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Section 5 - Access Track Maintenance - A87 Crossing.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.3 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 5 at A87 Crossing, produced on 09 May 2024.
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Section 5 - Access Track Maintenance - Ardochy Forest.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.9 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 5 at Ardochy Forest, produced on 09 May 2024.
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Section 5 - Access Track Maintenance - Kingie Surge Shaft.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 9.3 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 5 at Kingie Surge Shaft, produced on 09 May 2024.
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Section 5 - Access Track Maintenance - Munergirie 2 and Faichemard Camping.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 10.3 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 5 at Munergirie 2 and Faichemard Camping, produced on 09 May 2024.
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Section 5 - Access Track Maintenance - Munerigie 1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 11.4 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of access track maintenance in Section 5 at Munergirie 1, produced on 09 May 2024.
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Section 4/5 - Public Road Improvements - Tomdoun to Quoich Bridge .pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2024
- Size:
- 1.4 MB
This document provides a map showing the location of public road improvements in Section 4/5 from Tomdoun to Quoich Bridge.
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Section 4/5 - Public Road Improvements - Quoich Bridge to Loch Coire Shubh.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 17 May 2024
- Size:
- 273.9 KB
This document provides a map showing the location of public road improvements in Section 4/5 from Quoich Bridge to Loch Coire Shubh.
Section 37 Application - Additional Information
Section 37 Application - Planning Statement, Cover Letter and Advert
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2022.09.30 - Application - Advert - Skye reinforcement Project.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 07 October 2022
- Size:
- 93.2 KB
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Skye OHL Planning Statement 16.09.22.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 07 October 2022
- Size:
- 2.5 MB
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Cover Letter_s37 Application_Skye Reinforcement Project_September 2022.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 07 October 2022
- Size:
- 226.4 KB
Section 37 Application - Non Technical Summary
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Non-Technical Summary.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 07 October 2022
- Size:
- 8.6 MB
Section 37 Application - Volumes
Works
Planning stage and maintenance works (General Information)
The proposed Skye Reinforcement Project will be a major civil engineering project. Whilst the Scottish Government’s Energy Consent Unit’s determination of the Section 37 Application for the Skye Reinforcement Project is outstanding, SSEN Transmission is going to undertake works in the planning stage of significant engineering projects.
Regardless of the decision on the Section 37 application, access to the existing Skye overhead line will be required in order to undertake more frequent detailed inspections of the ageing and failing asset.
Works will include:
- Public Road Improvements works,
- maintenance of access tracks (maps are available in Project Documents) and
- ground investigation works (both intrusive and unintrusive).
All works are undertaken under Permitted Development Rights and we will be working closely with local communities, relevant departments in The Highland Council (e.g. Road, Planning, Access), Statutory Partners and Land Owners. All works are subject to pre-commencement environmental surveys, and suitable mitigations will be implemented where necessary.
We will communicate all works through the ‘Project updates’ section of this webpage (see ‘Project Update’ tab above) where the works details will be available.
Works Types
FAQs
FAQs
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