Aberdeenshire landfall information event for Shetland HVDC Link 2 project

We are hosting two information events later this month to specifically seek public feedback on two potential landfall options on the Aberdeenshire coast for the proposed Shetland HVDC Link 2 project.

Over the past 18 months we have been optioneering to find a suitable landfall site for both ends of the cable. The proposed second link requires a new subsea cable connection between northern Shetland and mainland Scotland.

Our upcoming events in Banff and Whitehills are specifically looking for public feedback on two options at either Boyne Bay or Boyndie Bay.

They will take place on:

Wednesday 23 September – 3-7pm in Whitehills Public Hall and

Thursday 24 September – 3-7pm in Banff Parish Church Hall

The event information booklet for these events will be uploaded to the website by Monday 14 September.

To recap, our initial search for a feasible landfall site looked at locations stretching from Lossiemouth to Rattray Head. This identified an initial 12 potential sites, and we held our first information session in Portsoy in June 2025, where we shared detailed on all of these options and sought public feedback.

Of the 12 sites, five were then discounted due to various reasons – such as residential proximity, ground conditions, environmental designations and road access. Seven options underwent specialist review, which subsequently eliminated a further four sites.

Three shortlisted landfalls were taken forward to detailed design, these were Sandend, Boyne Bay and Boyndie Bay. We held our second information session in Portsoy in November 2025, where again we sought additional public feedback on these options.

After additional assessment, Sandend was discounted, leaving the two options near Whitehills. We are seeking feedback on these options ahead of a preferred landfall being selected. The feedback window is open until 6 November 2026. 

After this point, we will analyse responses, conclude our optioneering and refinement processes, and share a preferred landfall site with stakeholders.

In terms of the wider project, from landfall on the Aberdeenshire coast, the HVDC cable will be undergrounded all the way to the proposed Strathbogie Hub – which is expected to be located to the north-east of Huntly. The Strathbogie Hub is undergoing the final stages of site selection process, so a preferred site is not yet known, however it is anticipated that it will be an underground cable route of up to 30km. The Hub site will then connect into the wider 400kV network.

This is not the last opportunity for members of the public to comment on our proposals, and we expect that planning applications seeking the necessary consents will be submitted next year.

We hope to share a plan for a preferred landfall, a proposed underground cable route, and a preferred site for Strathbogie Hub, within the coming months.

For further information, please contact Shetlandengagement@sse.com