Overview
Status: Construction Phase
About the Project
SSE Renewables are looking to increase their load capacity at Tummel Power Station, driving a connection modification application from our sister company SSEN Distribution, which requires an increase in the transformer capacity at Tummel Bridge.
It is proposed that a new site, adjacent to the existing Errochty 132kV substation, be developed to facilitate the installation of two new 90MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP).
This new Errochty GSP will provide a 33kV connection point, to accommodate all generation and demand currently served by Tummel Bridge GSP, including the requested capacity increase for Tummel Bridge Hydro Power station.
Why is the Project Required?
There is insufficient room at the existing Tummel Bridge GSP to accommodate fire pools to meet current standards. The site is also over sailed by 132kV overhead lines, providing a considerable construction challenge, therefore the proposal is for the new transformers to be relocated to Errochty along with construction of a new 33kV switch room for SSEN Distribution.
Direct upgrading of the two 21MVA transformers currently in place at Tummel Bridge GSP was considered as a possible option. This option was however discarded due to the lack of available space at Tummel bridge GSP for 90MVA transformers.
The site of the existing Tummel Bridge GSP will be decommissioned and cleared of SSEN Transmission assets, as part of the work.
Transformers - What they do
Transformers allow us to increase and decrease the voltage of electricity when required, this allows delivery of electricity across the transmission network to be much more manageable and efficient.
Transformers vary in size, and in some cases, can require specialist haulage equipment to transport them to site. Our Community Liaison Team will work alongside all local communities that may be affected by the delivery of a Transformer to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.
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
Good Friday Working
Project updates
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Good Friday Working
Perth and Kinross Council have granted permission to our Principal Contractor Burns and McDonnell for the working hours of 7am-7pm on the Good Friday Bank Holiday
This is required to ensure subsequent works can be completed during scheduled outages.
Due to this work being on a bank holiday, the works have been specifically selected to keep noise to a minimum the key activities are as follows:
· Installation of ducts
· Require laying protective boards within the substation building
· Off drumming cables
· Laying sandbags and barriers for temporary flood protection of cable routes (safety purposes)
· Some cable pulling activities
· Installing earthing and wiring
All the above activities will be done using hand tools, a small tractor, two compressors, an excavator and dumper. Additionally, a generator for site welfare cabin use. No high level noise is anticipated.
Should there be any issues with the works the site manager at any given time can be contacted on 07951645985 or via email at dmoore@burnsmcd.com -
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.
Weekend Working
Perth and Kinross Council have granted permission to our Principal Contractor Burns and McDonnell for extended weekend working over three weekends which are detailed below:
22-23 February 2025
8-9 March 2025
22-23 March 2025
The working hours agreed are 7am-7pm. This is required for painting of the noise enclosure and setting out of materials laydown areas within a safe working environment free of plant and machinery.
Due to this work being planned over weekends, the works have been specifically selected to keep noise to a minimum the key activities for each weekend are as follows:
• Weekend 1 (22/02/2025, 23/02/2025) - Layout base rail (site surveying equipment only) and organise material (no deliveries will be delivered on weekend working), 4 operatives completing the works. No plant will be used, manual positioning of parts only.
• Weekend 2 (08/03/2025, 09/03/2025) - Mastic and paint wall where the access tower will be going, 4 operatives completing the works. No plant will be used, paint rollers & mastic gun only.
• Weekend 3 (22/03/2025, 23/03/2025) - Install Super Grid Transformer 1 Electrics, 2 operatives completing the works. Hand tools only will be used inside the permanent noise enclosure.
All the above activities will be done using non-percussion hand tools. No mechanical tools will be used with exception of the site welfare cabin generator. -
2024 Festive Period
As our teams start to prepare the site for closing over the festive period, we wanted to confirm that works will pause on site from 20 December 2024 to 6 January 2025.
Although the site will be closed for all construction workers during this period, security will remain in place 7 days a week and 24 hours per day.
We have also published the final project newsletter of the year giving you an insight into what works and activities have been undertaken on site in the last quarter as well as those that are coming up in the first part of 2025.
The newsletter can be downloaded from the documents section of this webpage. -
Transformer Delivery
This weekend sees the arrival of our Grid Transformers (GTs). The transformers will leave Immingham docks, North Lincolnshire and are expected to arrive at Ballinluig services on 26 October where they will stay until the morning of Sunday 27 October.
On Saturday 26 October from approximately 8am there will be a road closure on the B846 at Camserney bridge to allow for the transport team to build the required overbridging to ensure the GT passes over safely (similar to activities that were undertaken for the SCT that was delivered to Kinardochy substation back in June 2023). The road space will not open once the bridge has been built as it is unsuitable for normal traffic as it is very high and there is no edge protection.
Emergency services will also use the planned diversion, unless it is critical. The road is closed, except for access, all the way up to the bridge site, so persons can access local homes / land but will not be able to block or stop on the road space.
On Sunday 27 June the transformers will then leave Ballinluig services and make their final leg of their journey; cross the Camserney bridge and remain on the B846 up to the Errochty switching station site. While the transformer is being moved and the rolling road closures are implemented, diversions for road users will be in place via Aberfeldy and Kenmore.
The below are indictive timings for Sunday 27 October:
0830hrs – Depart Ballinluig
1000hrs – Clear of Strathtay
1030hrs – Clear of Edradynate
1100hrs – Clear of Weem
1200hrs – Cross Camserney Bridge
1300hrs – Clear of Coshieville
1330hrs – Clear of Glengoulandie
1500hrs – Arrive at site (with halt at Kinardochy to release any traffic build up)
SSEN Transmission would like to thank road users and local residents for their patience in advance while we transport the transformers to their final location at Errochty switching station. -
Planting at Dun Coillich community woodland
Members of our project team along with volunteers from our Principal Contractor Burns & McDonnell downed their usual tools to help support the planting at Dun Coillich community woodland.
Together the volunteers worked to plant over 200 native hazel trees, as well as clearing bracken around some of the newly planted trees to give them space to grow.
To find out more click here. -
Site hours
From 1 April to 15 September 2024 the site hours will be 7am-7pm Monday to Friday, and 8am-1pm on Saturday’s. There will be no work on a Sunday.
Any concerns regarding the SSEN Transmission work to extend the existing Errochty switching station then please feel free to contact our Community Liaison Manager.Project Newsletter
To give you an insight into what works and activities are coming up on site, the Errochty GSP project team have created and published the first quarterly project newsletter.
The newsletter will share an overview of the works underway and keep you updated with the projects progress during construction.
The newsletter can be downloaded from the project documentation section of this website. -
Mobilisation
Following SSEN Transmission gaining consent from Perth and Kinross Council on 5 July 2023 for the erection of 2 transformers, control building, associated plant and infrastructure, ancillary facilities, laydown areas, temporary construction compound, siting of temporary welfare/site office units, landscaping and associated works at Land 170 metres North West of Studio Cottage Tummel Bridge.
We are now proceeding with enabling works and site mobilisation and our Principal Contractor Burns McDonald will be mobilising their site welfare from 13 November with their sub-contractor Corries expected to mobilise to site from 20 November to commence vegetation clearance and tree felling activities in the area to the west of the existing site.
The site clearance and tree felling are expected to last 4-6 weeks and SSEN Transmission apologises for any inconvenience and disruption that may be caused while the site compound is established. We anticipate the impact of these initial works to the local community to be minimal, however, if you have any concerns on these activities, please do not hesitate to contact the projects Community Liaison Manager. -
Planning consent
SSEN Transmission welcome the decision made by Perth and Kinross Council on 5 July 2023 to grant permission for us to proceed with the erection of 2 transformers, control building, associated plant and infrastructure, ancillary facilities, laydown areas, temporary construction compound, siting of temporary welfare/site office units, landscaping and associated works at Land 170 metres North West Of Studio Cottage Tummel Bridge.
As a responsible developer, we will continue to engage with the local community before, during and after construction. We currently anticipate construction work to commence around late October. -
Planning update
Last year we advised that we had submitted our planning application to Perth and Kinross Council for the works required to be undertaken at Errochty. Under National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) the Proposed Development was identified as a National Development: "new and/or upgraded onshore substations directly linked to electricity transmission cabling of or in excess of 132 kilovolts".
NPF3 has now been replaced by National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and forms part of the statutory development plan. A significant change from NPF3 means that under NPF4, our Proposed Development at Errochty is no longer classed as a national development due to its scale as it does not meet
the scale of development classed as ‘Major1’ development. The Proposed Development is therefore classed as a Local development for the purposes of determination by the Planning Authority. This was acknowledged by Perth and Kinross Council on 9 March 2023.
Due to these changes our original application was subsequently withdrawn on 27 March 2023 and has now been resubmitted, there are no changes to our proposals that were included in the original application and all the documents should you wish to view our application in full and submit formal comment to the council is available to be viewed via the Perth and Kinross Council planning portal, using the new reference 23/00526/FLL. -
Planning submission
We are delighted to confirm we have now submitted our planning application to Perth and Kinross Council regarding our proposal to extend the existing Errochty switching station in Tummel Bridge.
Should you wish to view our application in full and submit formal comment to the council our application is available to be viewed via the Perth and Kinross Council planning portal, using reference 22/01892/FLN. -
Report on Consultation
Our Report on Consultation has been prepared with input by ASH Design and Assessment Ltd. to provide a summary of the responses received from key stakeholders (including statutory and non-statutory consultees, local communities, landowners and individual residents) during consultation between April - July 2022 in response to our proposals to construct a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) to be built near to the existing Errochty switching station, located adjacent to the River Tummel. The Report on Consultation is available to be viewed or downloaded from the project documents tab of this webpage. -
Feedback period closed
The feedback period for providing comments following our in person public consultation feedback event that we held on 6 of July following our initial public consultations that were held across 20 and 21 April has now closed. The project team would like to extend thanks to all members of the public who took the time to provide feedback on our proposals, We understand and recognise the value of the feedback provided by members of the public during all engagements and consultations. Without this valuable feedback, the project development team would be unable to progress projects and reach a balanced proposal.. All responses received will now be reviewed ahead of submission of a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council.
Feedback period open
SSEN Transmission held on Wednesday 6 July a face to face public consultation feedback event to present the updated design and gain views and feedback on the updated proposals to facilitate the installation of two new 90MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) adjacent to the existing Errochty 132kV substation in Tummel Bridge. It was great to see the local residents and interested parties that came along to meet the project team and find out more on the proposals.We encourage everyone with an interest to provide us with comments and feedback via a feedback form which can be accessed via the below link. The feedback period is open until 22 July.All content that was on display at our event can be downloaded from the project documentation section of this webpage. Please let us know if you require information in an adapted format such as paper copy, large print or braille and we will work with you to accommodate your preferences.We are happy to accommodate all reasonable requests for adapted communications.
Feedback period open
SSEN Transmission held on Wednesday 6 July a face to face public consultation feedback event to present the updated design and gain views and feedback on the updated proposals to facilitate the installation of two new 90MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) adjacent to the existing Errochty 132kV substation in Tummel Bridge. It was great to see the local residents and interested parties that came along to meet the project team and find out more on the proposals.We encourage everyone with an interest to provide us with comments and feedback via a feedback form which can be accessed via the below link. The feedback period is open until 22 July.All content that was on display at our event can be downloaded from the project documentation section of this webpage. Please let us know if you require information in an adapted format such as paper copy, large print or braille and we will work with you to accommodate your preferences.We are happy to accommodate all reasonable requests for adapted communications. -
2nd public consultation event
In recognition of feedback received from our previous consultations held in April this year plans have been developed for the reinforcement works required at Errochty switching station and SSEN Transmission are pleased to be hosting a face to face public consultation feedback event to present the updated design and gain views and feedback on our updated proposals to facilitate the installation of two new 90MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) adjacent to the existing Errochty 132kV substation in Tummel Bridge.We would like to extend an invitation to all interested parties to attend. We would like to ensure we progress with the most appropriate option and welcome the views of the local community and interested parties to have their say. An information poster providing more detail can be downloaded from the project documentation tab of this webpage. -
Consultation feedback
The feedback period on our proposals that we presented at public consultations across 20 and 21 April for the Errochty GSP project is now closed. Thanks to everyone who took the time to provide feedback. All responses received will now be reviewed ahead of a second round of consultation events in July. -
Proposal of Application Notice
We have now submitted the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Perth and Kinross Council under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(Scotland) Regulations 2013. This notice states our intent to submit a planning application so that land adjacent to the existing Errochty 132kV switching station, be developed to facilitate the installation of two new 90MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) . -
Public consultations
SSEN Transmission are hosting both face to face public consultations along with a virtual online consultation exhibition to gain views and feedback on our proposals to facilitate the installation of two new 90MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) adjacent to the existing Errochty 132kV substation in Tummel Bridge.We would encourage members of the local community and all interested parties to attend the events. To find out more please download the consultation information poster from the project documentation section or view the project overview section of this website via the below link .
Documents
Project Newsletter
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March 2025 Newlsetter
- Type:
- Date:
- 03 March 2025
- Size:
- 2.2 MB
This newsletter for March 2025 provides project updates, key dates and information on planned activities in the area.
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December 2024 Newsletter
- Type:
- Date:
- 29 November 2024
- Size:
- 950.9 KB
This project newsletter for December 2024 provides project updates, key dates and information on planned activities in the area and on site.
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September 2024 Newsletter
- Type:
- Date:
- 02 September 2024
- Size:
- 1.6 MB
This newsletter for September 2024 provides project updates, key dates and information on planned activities in the area.
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June 2024 Newsletter
- Type:
- Date:
- 04 June 2024
- Size:
- 2.3 MB
This newsletter for June 2024 provides project updates, key dates and information on planned activities in the area.
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March 2024 Newsletter
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 March 2024
- Size:
- 2.7 MB
This newsletter for March 2024 provides project updates, key dates and information on planned activities in the area.
Project Documents
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Errochty Report on Consultation.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 October 2022
- Size:
- 416.4 KB
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July 2022 Public Consultation Booklet.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 2.1 MB
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July 2022 public consultation information poster.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 106.3 KB
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Updated Proposed Layout.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 29.1 MB
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April 2022 consultation information poster
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 195.9 KB
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April 2022 proposed-layout.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 1.1 MB
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April 2022 Public Consultation Banners
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 2 MB
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April 2022 public consultation booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
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