About the project

The overhead steel tower line which runs between Beauly and Keith was constructed in 1955 and forms an integral part of the transmission system. The 132kV line between Inverness and Keith substations is a double circuit construction with a total route length of 92km, 29km between Inverness and Nairn and 63km between Nairn, Elgin and Keith. The Beauly – Inverness section of the line was re-conductored and re-insulated in 1992.

We are now investing in the network to fully refurbish many of the towers and replace the existing wires (conductors) starting from Beauly substation in 2018 and finishing at Keith substation in 2021. The new wires will be capable of carrying increased amounts of electricity whilst ensuring the security of demand.

There are some very challenging aspects along the route including major road crossings (A82,A862,A96 and the A9), numerous railway crossings, crossing of the River Ness and Caledonian Canal. The overhead line also crosses through the residential area of Holm as well as historic sites such as Culloden battlefield.

Project activities

 Some of the project activities to be undertaken are as follows: 

• Some tree cutting along the route shall be required (locations to be confirmed)
• A number of tower foundation upgrades will be required along the route
• Tower steel strengthening
• Access tracks are to be created into tower locations (the number of tracks and their locations is still to be confirmed)
• Re conducting works (replacing existing conductors and fittings with new)