Chleansaid Wind Farm connection secures consent

SSEN Transmission has welcomed the decision by Scottish Ministers to approve its Section 37 application for the Chleansaid Wind Farm connection project in Sutherland.

The consent will enable construction of a new 10.5km single circuit, 132kV wooden trident pole overhead line, which will link the wind farm on the Dalnessie Estate – around 13.5km northeast of Lairg – to Dalchork substation.

This new infrastructure will carry renewable electricity from the wind farm to the wider transmission network, supporting Scotland and the UK’s clean energy and energy security ambitions.

The route has been informed by detailed environmental and biodiversity assessments, helping ensure a balanced design that seeks to minimise impacts on local habitats and land use.

With consent now granted, construction is expected to begin in autumn 2026. 

Dominic Flanagan, SSEN Transmission Programme Director, said:

“We’re pleased to have secured Section 37 consent from Scottish Ministers, following a detailed development process that has sought to minimise impacts while delivering this important connection.

“The new single circuit 132kV wooden pole overhead line will enable the efficient transfer of power from the Chleansaid Wind Farm into the Dalchork substation, where it will feed into the wider transmission system serving homes and businesses across Scotland and beyond.

“We’re grateful to everyone who engaged with us throughout development of this project, including those who attended our consultation events. This feedback has been central in shaping our design, and we will continue to work closely with the local community and other stakeholders as the project progresses.”