First supergrid transformer delivered to Crossaig in landmark moment for project.

1 September 2026

Image: Aerial view of the supergrid transformer being delivered

The first of two supergrid transformers has been successfully delivered to SSEN Transmission’s Crossaig North substation in Argyll, marking another significant milestone in the delivery of the company’s wider Argyll & Kintyre energy infrastructure programme.

Weighing around 200 tonnes – roughly the same weight as 33 adult African elephants - the transformer arrived in Campbeltown Harbour after being transported by sea from Poland before beginning the final stage of its journey to Crossaig North. The specialist operation saw the transformer transported along the A83 under carefully managed police escort before being transferred onto a remote-operated 14-axle trailer to complete the final 24km journey along the project’s dedicated access track to site.

Extensive planning and coordination were undertaken throughout the operation to minimise disruption to local communities and road users while ensuring the safe delivery of the critical equipment.

Super grid transformers are among the largest and most important pieces of equipment on the electricity transmission network, and are a major component in substations like Crossaig North. They adjust voltage levels to enable electricity to be transmitted efficiently over long distances, helping transport renewable energy from where it's generated to the homes, businesses and public services that rely on it every day. The arrival of the first transformer at Crossaig North marks a major milestone in the project’s ongoing delivery, and teams will now work to install it into the electrical system on site.

Above: The transformer delivery was coordinated to minimise impact to road users

Crossaig North substation is a new 275kV substation being built as part of SSEN Transmission’s wider Argyll & Kintyre Strategy, which will reinforce the region’s electricity transmission network and support the delivery of Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions. The successful arrival of the first transformer follows closely on from the delivery of transformers to the company’s Creag Dhubh substation further north, demonstrating continued progress across the Argyll & Kintyre project.

A second transformer has already safely arrived at Campbeltown Harbour and is scheduled to be transported to Crossaig North in the coming weeks.

Ali Awada, Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, said:

"The successful delivery of our first transformer to Crossaig North is a major milestone for the Argyll & Kintyre project and reflects the significant planning and collaboration involved in transporting equipment of this scale safely to site.

 

"From its journey by sea from Poland to its carefully managed transport along the A83 and access track, every stage of the operation has been designed to minimise impacts on local communities while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

 

"Following the recent successful transformer deliveries to Creag Dhubh, this latest milestone demonstrates the continued progress we're making across the project as we invest in the infrastructure needed to support Scotland's clean power ambitions and future energy security."

The delivery forms part of a wider programme of works to upgrade the electricity transmission network across Argyll and Kintyre, enabling increased network capacity and supporting the connection and transport of renewable energy generated across the region.

Learn more about Crossaig North Substation and SSEN Transmission’s wider Argyll and Kintyre Strategy here: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/argyll-and-kintyre-275kv-substations/