The following article was written by SSEN Transmission's Lead Land Manager, Stuart Smart, originally printed in Scottish Land and Estate's Spring 2026 issue. For more information, please visit: https://www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/.
"Neart nan glean" - Gaelic for Power from the glens - was the motto of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.
Established in 1943 under an Act of Parliament, the Board was driven by the vision of Tom Johnston, whose legacy continues through Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission and wider SSE group companies. The Board led the development of hydroelectric power across the north of Scotland, constructing new power stations and the transmission and distribution lines needed to bring electricity from remote glens to homes and businesses. Its work marked a major transformation in energy access, job creation and economic opportunity.
Following privatisation through the Electricity Act 1989, its transmission responsibilities passed to what is now SSEN Transmission, which is delivering another substantial phase of grid development - arguably a new energy revolution.
The Board's crest appeared on buildings and documents. Its central shield, showing thunderbolts extinguishing the flame of an oil lamp, symbolised the move from traditional lighting to modern hydroelectric power. The rivers and lochs represent the natural resource that enabled this transition, while the stags and fir tree reflect the Highlands and the Board's strong connection to its people and landscape.
Between 1945 and 1975, the Board delivered more than 50 hydroelectric power stations producing over 2,600 GWh per year. By 1989, more than 1,500 miles of overhead transmission line had been built, forming the Highland Grid. At its peak the Board employed around 4,000 people, with another 10,000-supporting construction through contractors. These pioneering schemes played a crucial role in post-war recovery, population stability and long-term employment across the region.
Tom Johnston's ambition reshaped the Highlands. By harnessing renewable energy and delivering electricity to communities where it had been scarce or absent, the Board helped create jobs, support families and stimulate wider economic and social progress.
Although no longer part of SSEN Transmission's corporate branding, the crest remains proudly displayed at key offices as a reminder of the organisation's heritage and an inspiration for the work ahead.
Meeting today's energy and climate challenges
Not long ago, electricity was considered a luxury. Without the Hydro-Electric Board's determination and innovation, the current energy system would not exist.
Reflecting on the challenges once faced by the Board, climate change and the increasing demand for homegrown and renewable electricity now means the grid must grow significantly to serve to the communities that depend on
Electricity is now central to modern life, with more systems, whether that by electric vehicles or our personal devises, becoming more reliant on it. Global instability highlights the importance of energy security. The destruction to electricity networks in war-torn regions, creating widespread blackouts and requiring major economic recoveries to rebuild, puts into focus how essential a resilient grid is to daily life.
A new energy revolution for Scotland and beyond
An investment of more than £20 billion to 2030, SSEN Transmission's grid upgrade includes around 300 miles of new 400 kV overhead lines, substations, underground cables and subsea links to connect onshore and offshore renewables. It is expected to support around 37,000 UK jobs, including 17,500 in Scotland, and deliver up to 20 per cent of Great Britain's renewable electricity. It aims to leave a positive legacy, providing more than €100 million in community benefits and supporting the development of 1,000 new homes.
With an aging network, exposed to more frequent storms, this development will improve its resilience and help to meet the demand for more electricity generation connectivity. SSEN Transmission's operational teams work continuously to keep the lights on during challenging conditions, minimising outages so households, businesses and local economies continue to function.
Working with those who own and work the land
Scotland's land uses are becoming more diverse, meaning that development of the electricity grid requires increasing expertise in land stewardship, to resolve potential land use conflicts. While SSEN Transmission has a licence obligation to deliver an upgraded network, it recognises those who own and work the land as key stakeholders in the process.
SSEN Transmission's Land Managers understand that effective relationships with affected landowners depend on listening to what matters to them, addressing concerns by articulating their significance to development and operational teams and ensuring landowners have a clear understanding of SSEN Transmission's requirements and its ability to accommodate those concerns whenever possible.
Technological revolutions often drive major economic growth. The transformation delivered by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board was one such revolution. Land quite literally provides the foundations for this - without it, nothing can happen. Today, Scotland has the opportunity to create a modern, resilient and renewable-led electricity grid that supports prosperity across northern Scotland and throughout Great Britain.
Importantly, SSEN Transmission recognises that this can only be achieved by valuing the role others play in making it happen, including the custodians of the land.