Overview
Status: Construction Phase
About the Project
The existing transmission network in the Argyll region needs reinforcing to enable renewable generation to connect to the GB transmission network and to ensure security of electricity supply. The project elements inlcude:
- A new 13.3km 275kV overhead line between the proposed Creag Dhubh Substation and the tie in to the existing Scottish Power Energy Networks overhead line at Glen Lochy (Succoth Glen) (ECU Ref: ECU00002199)
- A tie in connection of the existing 132kV Taynuilt to Inveraray Overhead Line to the proposed new Creag Dhubh Substation (in development)
- A new 275/132kV substation adjacent to the existing Inveraray to Taynuilt 132kV Overhead Line (Creag Dhubh Substation) (Planning Ref: 22/00782/PP)
Find Out More About Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy
Find Out More About Creag Dhubh Substation
3D Visualisation of the Project
In partnership with specialist company 3DW, we have created a video which allows stakeholders to visualise the Creag Dhubh – Dalmally Project. It has been created to increase transparency and understanding of the project.
Why is the Project Required?
The existing transmission network for Argyll was originally designed to serve a rural area with low demand for electricity. Requests from renewable generation developers to connect to the network in this area exceed the current capacity of the existing transmission network, meaning a new transmission circuit is required to meet demand from generation developers and ensure security of supply.
Stakeholder Engagement
We have been consulting locally on this project (formerly referred to as the North Argyll Project) since March 2016. The infographic shows our consultation process for this project.
The Creag Dhubh – Dalmally Project is part of a wider strategy to upgrade the main transmission network across Argyll to 275kV to support the growth in renewables across the region and the transition to Net Zero, supporting UK and Scottish Government climate change targets.
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
Festive Site Closure Dates 2025
Project updates
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Festive Site Closure Dates 2025
Construction works will pause for the 2025 festive period with sites closing from 19 December 2025 until 5 January 2026. Although the sites will be closed for all construction workers during this period security will remain in place.
We wish our local communities a safe and happy festive break.
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First tower topped out on Creag Dhubh to Dalmally overhead line project
First tower topped out on Creag Dhubh to Dalmally overhead line project
We are pleased to announce a major milestone in the delivery of the Creag Dhubh to Dalmally 275kV Overhead Line (OHL) Project — the successful topping out of the first steel lattice tower.
This marks a significant step forward in the construction phase of this critical infrastructure project, which forms part of SSEN Transmission’s wider Argyll and Kintyre 275kV strategy. The project will reinforce the transmission network across Argyll and Kintyre to enable the future connection and transportation of renewable energy and supporting the UK and Scottish Governments’ clean energy and energy security targets.
The Creag Dhubh to Dalmally OHL will span approximately 13.3 kilometres and supported by 47 galvanised steel lattice towers. These towers will carry two circuits and include optical fibre ground wires to enhance network resilience and communication.
The topping out of the first tower is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our project teams and contractors working across challenging terrain and sensitive environments. It also reflects our commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports the transition to a low-carbon future while engaging closely with local communities and stakeholders.
As construction progresses, we remain focused on minimising environmental impact, maintaining safety, and maximising local economic opportunities and we want to thank the local community for their patience as work continues. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
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Creag Dhubh to Dalmally - Project Update October 2025
Progress Overview
We’re pleased to share the latest developments on the Creag Dhubh to Dalmally Overhead Line project:
Access & Site Preparation
- Installation of access tracks and working pads is well underway, providing essential infrastructure to support safe and efficient operations across the route.
Foundation Works
- Foundation installation is progressing steadily.
- Piling works are due to start imminently, marking a significant milestone in preparing for tower erection.
- Preparations are in place for tower assembly, which is scheduled to begin by the end of October. This will follow the completion of initial foundation works and site readiness.
We will continue to provide updates as the project advances through its key phases. For any questions please get in contact with the project Community Liaison Manager
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Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Local Fund
The Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy is a series of projects aimed at increasing our network capability across Argyll and Kintyre, enabling the exporting of electricity to the wider GB transmission network.
The Community Benefit Fund associated with these projects is aimed specifically at communities who are situated close to the infrastructure and will be developed in partnership with these communities.
To find out more please click here -
Project update - Construction works begin June 2025
SSEN Transmission would like to inform stakeholders that construction works are due to begin on the new Creag Dhubh to Dalmally overhead line (OHL) project. The project will upgrade the transmission network in Argyll, supporting the growth in clean power generation in the region and improve network security of supply.
The Creag Dhubh to Dalmally OHL project forms part of a strategy to upgrade the capacity of the main electricity transmission network across Argyll and Kintyre from 132kV to 275kV operation. The projects will involve the Construction of a 13.3km 275kV OHL between Creag Dhubh substation to a tie-in point on the existing Scottish Power Energy Networks 275 kV OHL at Succoth Glen near Dalmally.
With all Section 37 pre-commencement conditions now discharged, our delivery partner Wood and local suppliers A&L McCrae will upgrade existing access tracks and extend the track network in preparation for foundation and tower assembly works that are expected to begin in the coming months. The Creag Dhubh to Dalmally OHL connection is forecast to energise in 2027.
The start of construction marks the latest step in progress on the wider upgrade to the transmission network in Argyll and Kintyre, which also includes five new 275kV substations.
With work well underway on the new substations, the start of construction on the OHLs is a significant step towards completion of the overall project, that will enable the growth in renewable energy generation in Argyll whilst strengthening local supply to homes and business. If you have questions relating to this project, please contact the project community liaison manager - caitlin.quinn@sse.com
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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.
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Consent granted for Creag Dhubh-Dalmally overhead line
We welcome the decision made by Scottish Ministers to grant consent for the Creag Dhubh-Dalmally 275kV overhead line.
This project is part of a wider strategy to upgrade the capacity of the main electricity transmission network across Argyll and Kintyre from 132kV to 275kV, which is essential to enable the growth in renewable energy across the region.
The Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy is also a key component of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme, a £20bn investment that will support thousands of jobs and provide a major boost to local and national economies. These investments represent a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland to enable the connection and transportation of homegrown renewable energy to demand centres across the country, and are part of a GB-wide renewal of the transmission network that is required to meet UK and Scottish Government clean power and energy security targets.
The Section 37 planning application for the Creagh Dhubh-Dalmally 275kV overhead line was submitted to the Scottish Government in early summer 2022. In September 2022, Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee voted to raise an objection to the application, automatically triggering a Public Local Enquiry.
We now look forward to working with the local community and progressing the project in a timely manner, as we look to discharge planning conditions ahead of commencing construction.
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Argyll and Kintyre project - Final Needs Case consultation
The GB electricity regulator Ofgem has provisionally approved SSEN Transmission’s proposals to upgrade the electricity transmission network in Argyll and Kintyre.
In its minded-to approve consultation on SSEN Transmission’s Final Needs Case, Ofgem has recognised the clear need for the Argyll and Kintyre Reinforcement Strategy, which will secure future electricity supplies in the area and enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation in the region. It will support the connection of at least 970MW of new renewable electricity generation, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.
As well as supporting the transition to net zero emissions, the investment will also help secure the country’s future energy independence by removing the country’s dependence and price exposure to volatile, global wholesale gas markets, with the deployment of low carbon, affordable, renewable electricity generation.The project will also unlock hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the construction phase and provide a significant economic boost to local and national economies, all while playing a key role in supporting the transition to net zero emissions and helping secure the country’s future energy independence.
Ofgem’s minded-to decision and consultation on the Argyll and Kintyre Final Needs Case can be found here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/argyll-and-kintyre-project-final-needs-case-consultation.
As a stakeholder led business SSEN Transmission would like to encourage all interested and relevant stakeholders to contribute to this important consultation before the closing date on 15th of September 2023. -
Section 37 progress update
The Section 37 application is now the subject of a Public Local Inquiry to be heard by a Reporter to be appointed by the Scottish Ministers. More information will be provided in due course -
Dalmally information Sharing Event
Thank you to those who took the time to attend our information sharing session at the Dalmally community centre yesterday. We hope that it was beneficial and provided you with information regarding our recent application submissions. We made a conscious effort following the feedback at our last community meeting to ensure that we were able to present visualisations and have the relevant project team on hand to be able to discuss any questions. As per my previous correspondence you will know that SSEN Transmission recently submitted their application for consent under Section 37 of The Electricity Act 1989, to install a 13.3km double circuit 275kV overhead line between the proposed Creag Dhubh substation and the existing Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) 275 kV overhead line, near Succoth Glen. We have also submitted a Town and Country Planning (T&CP) application to Argyll and Bute Council (A&BC) for the Creag Dhubh substation which we are awaiting confirmation that this has been validated and following this it will be published on the Argyll and Bute Council website. For your awareness, the Energy Consents Unit are now taking representations and we have asked that they extend the standard 30 day period of consultation to 60 days given the extent of local interest and to allow stakeholders time to consider their input. This will remain open until 23rd August , please note you need to register to make representation. Please copy and paste the address into your browser to the Energy Consents unit's website : https://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx?cr=ECU00002199Please get in touch with the Community Liaison Manager for this project if you require any assistance or have any further questions. -
Information Sharing Event 16th June 2022
SSEN Transmission would like to invite you to our information sharing event on the 16th of June 2022, at Dalmally Village Hall from 2pm – 7pm. This will give the community an opportunity to come and speak with the project team, view our proposals and our visualisation model that will allow you to see the proposed development from specific viewpoints.
Section 37 Planning Application
Following extensive consultation with local stakeholders, communities and all interested parties since 2016, SSEN Transmission in May 2022 submitted an application to Scottish Ministers for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 for construction and operation of a 13.3km overhead line (OHL) supported on steel lattice towers between the proposed Creag Dhubh substation and the existing Scottish Power Energy Networks 275 kV OHL that runs from Dalmally to Inverarnan in Argyll and Bute.Please see below should you wish to view the documents contained within our Section 37 application in full.Argyll Regional Webinar 2022
Please click to view our 2022 Argyll and Bute regional webinar where some of the SSEN team have given an overview of ongoing and upcoming projects across the area. -
Submission of our Initial Needs Case for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy
We have submitted to the energy regulator, Ofgem, robust proposals to reinforce the Argyll transmission network from 132kV to 275kV operation. At an estimated cost of around £400m, this investment is being taken forward as part of the SSE Group’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme, which will see £12.5bn invested in the five years to 2026, or £7m every day. SSEN Transmission alone expects to invest around £4bn over this period as it delivers a network for net zero emissions. The Argyll 275kV strategy is required to support the connection of several new renewable electricity generation schemes across Argyll and to transport that power to areas of demand across Scotland and beyond. It will support the connection of at least 560MW of new renewable electricity generation, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.
Update on Section 37 Application
SSEN Transmission are due to apply for consent under Section 37 of The Electricity Act 1989, to install a 275kV overhead line between our new Creag Dhubh Substation and a tee point on the existing Scottish Power overhead line near Succoth Glen in April 2022. We will also submit our Town and Country Planning application to Argyll and Bute Council for the Creag Dhubh Substation during this period. The proposed overhead line is being submitted following extensive consultation and feedback from the local community and wider stakeholders over several years which has led to significant changes in the project’s design. Our proposals have been carefully designed so that views of the infrastructure are filtered and screened by forestry and topography where possible, with much of the alignment backdropped against woodland and hills to reduce its visual impact. We have also moved the line to bring it further away from residential properties and key viewpoints.Due to the Covid 19 pandemic we were unable to carry out in-person public events during 2020/2021. Instead, we held virtual consultations, where we created an online exhibition including live chat sessions with the project team. These events took place in the summers of 2020 and 2021. Following requests from the local community and with the restrictions temporarily lifted our project team were able to come and meet with the community in Dalmally in October 2021 to answer questions and give further information on the project.Whilst we acknowledge there will inevitably be an impact from the development of any new infrastructure, we firmly believe we have struck a fair balance between responding to community and stakeholder feedback, including minimising landscape and visual impacts where possible; protecting the local environment and avoiding national designations in the area; and minimising costs to the GB consumer who will ultimately pay for this critical national infrastructure through their energy bills. We remain committed to continue to work constructively and openly with the local community and wider stakeholders as we take forward this project, which is key to support the transition to net zero emissions. As part of this we plan on holding an information event to share visualisations and answer any queries the local community may have in the coming weeks – we will share details once a viable date and location has been confirmed.In the meantime we will notify you once our applications have been submitted for consent and provide details on how you can make representations during this time. We will also continue to engage closely with local stakeholders during the project planning application process. Section 37 applications are submitted and approved by Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit. Our Town and Country Planning Application will be submitted to Argyll and Bute Council for approval.Should you have any questions relating to the development proposals, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Liaison Manager: caitlin.quinn@sse.com for further information. -
Drop-In Event Postponed
SSEN Transmission were due to hold an Information Event taking place at Dalmally Community Centre on Tuesday 23rd of November, however we have made the difficult decision to postpone this session due to the outbreak of Covid19 currently affecting the local community. We understand that this was a keenly anticipated meeting, however, our primary concern is the safety of the residents of Dalmally and our colleagues. We will monitor the situation and re-arrange for a more suitable time in the near future. -
Project Visualisations
In partnership with our consultants 3DWebtech, we have recently created a visualisation portal which will allow stakeholders to view 3D visualisations of the Creag Dhubh - Dalmally project in the local area, which we hope will aid understanding of the project and increase transparency.Whilst there are some instructions on how to navigate within the portal itself, 3DWebtech have also created a simple interactive portal user guide to further assist with navigation, available from the Project Overview tab. To view the portal, please copy and paste the following link in to your browser: https://3dwtech.co.uk/dashboard/ssen/argyll-kintyre-strategy/exhibition/ -
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Report on Consultation
We would like to thank all of those who took part in our recent public consultation for taking the time to complete a feedback form to share their thoughts on the 3 options presented for the Creag Dhubh to Dalmally 275kV Connection project. We have collated the feedback we have received from local stakeholders and statutory consultees via the virtual consultation events, feedback forms, emails, calls and meetings. We have now published the outcome of this feedback, in our report on consultation that can be viewed from the Project Documentation page. Based on the feedback received during consultation, in particular from statutory stakeholders, SSEN Transmission can confirm its preferred option is number three; an alternative overhead line connection location east of Dalmally and new switching station, avoiding the need to connect to the existing Dalmally substation. This option addresses a number of concerns that local community members had raised about the visual and cumulative impacts of connecting to the existing network infrastructure in the Strathy of Orchy. It also avoids the significant environmental challenges associated with the undergrounding option, which presented a significant risk of pollution to Loch Awe due to the risk of flooding of local watercourses in the area. Over winter we will carry out detailed assessments on option 3 and will seek to find a favourable alignment, taking into consideration the community feedback, environmental and construction challenges and the on-going maintenance of the line, once operational. During this time, we will continue to engage with local stakeholders and statutory consultees and seek feedback. Although the current consultation period is closed, we would still like to hear from anyone who is interested in finding out more about the project or would like to discuss the next stage of the development process. -
Autumn 2019 - Project Update
Following on from our previous update confirming Balfour Beatty as our design contractor appointed to carry out further in-depth feasibility studies for the proposed North Argyll project, SHE Transmission can now confirm that Balfour Beatty have completed these studies which involved investigative ground survey works, engagement with supply chain specialists and provision of outline cable design parameters for potential routes from the vicinity of the Duncan Ban monument to Dalmally switching station where undergrounding is being explored. Now that the studies have been concluded, we are currently in the process of internal review, considering the outputs against engineering, environmental and economic criterium and conducting further analysis which is anticipated to be completed in the upcoming weeks. -
Contractor Appointed for Feasability Works
We are pleased to confirm the appointment of our design contractor, Balfour Beatty, to carry out further in-depth feasibility studies for the proposed North Argyll Transmission Reinforcement. The initial focus will be to conduct further in-depth studies of the proposed cable alignment. This includes investigative ground survey works from the vicinity of the Duncan Ban monument to Dalmally switching station where undergrounding is being explored. The commitment to explore the feasibility of undergrounding follows feedback and consultation with local stakeholders on options for the proposed project’s design. We will also be progressing surveys and ground investigation works along the remaining section of the alignment to the proposed Creag Dhubh substation where it is progressing a proposed overhead solution. -
July 2018 - Project Update
Following our most recent consultation events in March this year, we have been busy reviewing all feedback received from the community and other stakeholders, as we continue to take forward the North Argyll project. In early May, following the conclusion of the consultation, we issued a press release confirming our intention to further explore undergrounding in places of particular local sensitivity, where it can be demonstrated to be technically and environmentally feasible, as well as economic to GB bill payers who will ultimately pay for the proposed reinforcement through their electricity bills.We have recently been active in this area, carrying out further walkover surveys with our environmental consultant and internal engineers ahead of engaging a specialist design and build contractor to further develop these possibilities, focussing on the area between the road to the Duncan Ban monument and the Dalmally substation. We aim to conclude final technical solution proposals by quarter 1 of next year. Considering the above and the timescales required to complete this work, we have an amended timeline for the project, still retaining the required completion date of October 2023 but with a revised date for submission of a consent application in quarter one 2020. Whilst this will result in a more intense construction phase it will allow us to develop and consider the further design studies being undertaken.We have also been working to complete our Report on Consultation which we expect to publish on the project website within the next few weeks. The purpose of this report is to inform stakeholders of how comments made during the Alignment Consultation have been responded to by SHE Transmission, prior to a request to Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit for an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Scoping Opinion. Due to the main focus of the Alignment Consultation being the alignment of an overhead line, the Report on Consultation naturally references an overhead line solution. It is important to emphasise that underground cabling options are still being assessed and we have therefore not yet determined our proposed final solution. We will also shortly publish additional Frequently Asked Questions, providing answers to project specific questions posed to us during the consultation events.We remain committed to engaging openly and meaningfully with the local community, elected representatives and other stakeholders as we continue to take forward the project and would like to thank the community for their constructive engagement and feedback to date. -
Further Underground Cable Feasability Study
In line with feedback recieved regarding the strong feeling in the Dalmally area about the potential for overhead transmission infrastructure, SSEN will be continuing to explore the feasability of undergrounding in areas of particular concern. To read more, please see the press release accessable via the following link: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/news-views/articles/2018/5/ssen-to-take-forward-further-undergrounding-studies-following-feedback-received-during-north-argyll-consultation/ -
Consultation Deferment
Local community members may be aware that Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks had intended to hold public consultation events commencing from Monday 15th January 2018. Whilst the requirements for the reinforcements still exist, due to uncertainty surrounding key drivers we have decided to review the proposed delivery timescales. We have therefore taken the decision to defer the consultation events that were due to take place next week whilst we undertake this review. We anticipate that the events will be rescheduled for the next few months and will be sure to inform the community as soon as new dates are confirmed.
Documents
Community Liason Group (CLG) Minutes
Project documents
Inveraray to Taynuilt (ITE/ITW) Tie-in Connection to Creag Dhubh Substation – Environmental Appraisal
Overhead Line Section 37 advert
Overhead Line Section 37 covering letter
Overhead Line Section 37 Planning statement
Overhead Line Section 37 Supporting documents
Overhead Line Section 37 volume 1 non technical summary
Overhead Line Section 37 volume 2 main report
Overhead Line Section 37 volume 3A figures
Overhead Line Section 37 volume 3B visualisations
Overhead Line Section 37 volume 4 technical appendices
FAQs
FAQs
Latest Links
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SSEN Transmission Launches £3m Argyll Community Benefit Fund
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