Overview
October 2023 Consultation Events
We held further drop-in public events which detailed our final proposals for Culligran and Deanie substation sites as part of the statutory Pre-Application Consultation. We also introduced, consulted and sought feedback on the newly selected sites for Aigas and Kilmorack following the public feedback provided. In addition, proposals about the Glen Strathfarrar VISTA (Visual impact of Scottish Transmission Assets) project were shared and the project team were available to answer questions and discuss the details of these proposed projects. The consultation booklet can be download from the 'Project Documents' tab.
These events were held on the following dates:
Monday 23rd October, 5pm-8pm at Cannich Hall, IV4 7LJ (Deanie, Culligran and Glen Strathfarrar VISTA)
Tuesday 24th October, 11am-1pm at Cannich Hall, IV4 7LJ (Deanie, Culligran and Glen Strathfarrar VISTA)
Wednesday 25th October, 2pm-7pm at Kilmorack Hall, IV4 7AQ (Aigas and Kilmorack)
Find out more about the West of Beauly Asset Replacement Projects
What is VISTA?
The electricity and gas markets regulator, Ofgem, is responsible for administering a £500m fund for GB electricity transmission owners to mitigate the impact of existing electricity infrastructure on the visual amenity of nationally designated landscapes.
In response to Ofgem’s funding, we are taking forward a number of engineering and landscaping proposals across our network region as part of the VISTA (Visual Impact of Scottish Transmission Assets) initiative.
VISTA represents an opportunity to reassess the historic electricity infrastructure within, and in some instances in close proximity to, National Parks and National Scenic Areas (NSAs) in the north of Scotland.
Awards from the Ofgem fund will be utilised to further enhance designated landscapes by reducing the visual impact of existing overhead electricity transmission lines and substations.
Selection of Glen Strathfarrar
Following assessment of all of our infrastructure in National Parks and National Scenic Areas, the overhead lines at a section in Glen Strathfarrar were identified as a priority area, where the impacts of the existing infrastructure were higher than elsewhere in Scotland.
The main visual receptors within Glen Strathfarrar are the walkers and cyclists who access this popular glen, and may continue up to Loch Monar or the surrounding hills. There are open views of the western section of overhead line along Loch Bennacharan. The potential for mitigation in this location was considered to be high, due to the numbers of people that could potentially benefit, and the lower level of other environmental constraints.
The existing overhead line comprises of a single-circuit 132kV carried on steel lattice towers which also carry 33kV cables. The line links Deanie Power Station at the western edge of the NSA, with Culligran Power Station to the east, and eventually continues to Beauly linking these generators to the grid. The power line was built in the 1960s along with the hydroelectric power stations.
What is Proposed?
Approximately 4km of the existing 132kV overhead line from the new Deanie Substation to Tower 13 will be undergrounded. This section of overhead line is visible from the road along Loch Bennacharan and surrounding hills. At the western end, the new underground cable will connect into the new Deanie Substation site. Tower 13 at the eastern end, will be replaced with a new tower which will bring the underground cables onto the overhead line.
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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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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Section 37 Application is Live
Thank you to those that submitted feedback on this proposed VISTA project. The Section 37 application for the project is now live.
Application documents can be found and viewed at the following link: www.energyconsents.scot – search – simple search and search the project name - Glen Strathfarrar Vista. The ECU reference is:- ECU00002134. -
About VISTA
Documents
ECU Documents Nov 2024
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Glen_Strathfarrar_BNG_Report_Part1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 9.7 MB
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Glen_Strathfarrar_BNG_Report_Part2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 9 MB
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Glen_Strathfarrar_BNG_Report_Part3.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 5.8 MB
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Glen_Strathfarrar_Cover_Letter.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 239.1 KB
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Glen_Strathfarrar_EA_Figures_1.1_to_5.6.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 8.1 MB
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Glen_Strathfarrar_EA_Figures_1.1_to_5.6_FINAL.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 9.3 MB
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Glen_Strathfarrar_EA_Figures_6.1_to_6.8.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 6.7 MB
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Glen_Strathfarrar_EA_Figures_7.1_and_8.1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 7.5 MB
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Glen_Strathfarrar_TAs_Combined.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 9.7 MB
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Vista_Glen Strathfarrar_EA_Report_Final_November_2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 08 January 2025
- Size:
- 1.8 MB
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Glen Strathfarrar VISTA Booklet - Oct 2023.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 10 October 2023
- Size:
- 15.2 MB
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West of Beauly Asset Replacement and Glen Strathfarrar Poster - Oct 2023.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 10 October 2023
- Size:
- 85.5 KB
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