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Inveraray - Crossaig

Project overview
Project updates
Project documentation
Project Type: Transmission reinforcement
Location: Argyll & Bute

Contact Details

Liaison Manager

Helen Batey
Title: Community Liaison Manager
Email: helen.batey@sse.com
Mobile: 07778453993
Address: 1 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6AY

Land Manager

Michael Forrest
Title: Land Manager
Email: michael.forrest@sse.com
Mobile: 07384 454 039
Address: Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc
Inveralmond House
200 Dunkeld Road
Perth
PH1 3AQ
Status: Construction Phase

Latest

Alternate Text

Fulfilling a critical role maintaining safe and reliable electricity

Date: 25 Mar 2020
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Section 37 consent granted for Inveraray - Crossaig transmission line

02 August 2019
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SSEN develops interactive summary

16 August 2018
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3D modelling introduced

13 August 2018
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Planning Application Submission

27 July 2018
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Local amphibians jumping for joy at environmental solution

30 April 2018
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SSEN reprogramme works to minimise disturbance during hen harriers nesting period

1 November 2017

SSEN Transmission and Balfour Beatty advise on public access at Achnabreac

December 2019

What is the Inveraray-Crossaig project?

The aim of the project is to reinforce the existing transmission network between Inveraray and Crossaig to enable renewable energy projects to connect to the electricity network, and to ensure security of supply. The main elements of the project are as follows:

  • Construction of a new 275kV overhead line, initially operated at 132kV between Inveraray and Crossaig 
  • Extend the existing connection from Port Ann to the new overhead line.
  • Decommissioning/removal of the existing 132kV transmission line between Inveraray and Crossaig.
Project Progress - Summer 2020
Project Progress - Summer 2020 Our Phase 1 Project Manager, David Fraser, talks about the latest project progress

Project Update - July 2020

As work continues on Phase 1 of the Inveraray to Crossaig overhead line (OHL) project, we are pleased to announce that the first towers have now been topped out.  The team are making great progress with 23 towers fully erected so far, and are on track to construct a further 106 towers by the end of the first phase.

Following a pause in construction works in March to review Government guidance and update work methods and procedures in relation to COVID-19, our contractors began a phased return to work in mid-April. Measures were implemented to maintain social distancing on site such as catering, reorganisation of resource into ‘family units’, additional vehicles, perspex screens in vans, an onsite laundry facility and alternative arrangements for fuelling. Despite these challenges, our teams have still made great progress completing forestry work and the 100km of access tracks required to gain access to tower sites.

The topping out of the first towers near Inveraray is a huge milestone for the Inveraray – Crossaig project and we’re now looking forward to completing our access tracks by the end of the Summer and commencing wiring activity in the Autumn. Phase 1 of the Inveraray to Crossaig project remains on target to complete the new build overhead line and associated substation modifications between Inveraray and Port Ann by mid-2021.

 

Tower Erection
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Tower Erection July 2020

Progress Gallery

 Following mobilisation in early October 2019, access track and foundation installation has progressed in line with project plans, with the first steel towers having been erected in July 2020. To see how the project has been developing, please see our Progress Gallery

Construction Progress - October 2020

 

To help provide a clear indication of how the project is progressing during construction of Phase 1 of the project (between Inveraray and Port Ann), please see the tables below, which we will be aiming to keep updated on a monthly basis. These indicate the percentage of completion for piling and foundations to enable tower assembly, tower assembly and errection, wiring of the towers and access tracks for construction. 

 

The Consultation Process 

Throughout the development of the Inveraray – Crossaig project we have endeavoured to ensure that local residents have been well informed of our plans and have held three sets of public consultation events to both inform local residents and stakeholders and to seek review of our proposals, feedback and any concerns as the final route was developed.

These events were held in October 2014, March 2016 and September 2017 across local areas such as Inveraray, Tarbert, Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, Skipness and Carradale prior to submitting a Section 37 application to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit in July 2018. To view the consultation material from these events, please click on the links above. 

The aim of the project is to enable renewable energy to connect to our transmission network.

Why is the project required?

Requests have been made to National Grid by a number of wind farm developers for transmission grid connections in the Argyll and Kintyre area. We are responsible for providing the infrastructure required to connect the wind farms to the electricity network

As the transmission licence holder in the north of Scotland we have a duty under Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity. We have obligations to offer non-discriminatory terms for connection to the transmission system, both for new generation and for new sources of electricity demand.
The aim of the project is to enable renewable energy to connect to our transmission network. Under our Network Operators Licence this connection should be efficient, co-ordinated and economic, whilst having the least possible impact on the environment. 

 

Planning Consent 

On 27th July 2018, SHE Transmission submitted a Section 37 consent application to the Scottish Government for ther Inveraray - Crossaig project to install a 275kV overhead line (to be initially operated at 132kV) between Inveraray substation and Crossaig substation. To read the press release regarding the submission, please click here.

In Summer 2019, SHE Transmission welcomed the decision by Scottish Ministers to grant consent for the project.  

The full application can be viewed via the Energy Consents Unit website, however documentation relating to the application such as the Enivronmental Impact Assesment (EIA) Report Non-Technical Summary and the Alignment Selection Consultation Document can be downloaded from the 'Project documentation' tab on this page. 

The videos below provide an overview of the new route the rebuild will take and further interactive visualisations of the proposals are available online, via the Interactive EIA Report 

Useful Documents

Public Notices

Public Notice - Temporary Traffic Lights - Sept 2019
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Inveraray - Crossaig Public Consultation Brochure - Sept 2017

Related Projects: Inveraray - Crossaig

Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Inveraray - Crossaig - Project Update - April 2020
Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020

Public Events Information

Inveraray - Crossaig Public Consultation Brochure - Sept 2017

Related Projects: Inveraray - Crossaig

Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Inveraray to Crossaig - an overview of our route
Inveraray to Crossaig - an overview of our route

An overview of our route

The adjacent video, which has been designed by specialist company 3D Webtech, allows viewers to see what the Inveraray - Crossaig project will look like when complete. This video, along with the area specific overviews of Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig (located below), has been created to increase the transparency of our plans following the recent submission of our Section 37 planning application to the Scottish Government.

We are keen to hear your views on the 3D models, and you can send your feedback either on our facebook page or by email to Kelly Scott, the project’s Community Liaison Manager, at kelly.scott@sse.com. 

 

An overview of the Lochgilphead area

 This 3D model video shows a visualisation of the route travelling North along the A816 from Lochgilphead, alongside and aerial view from the road.

An overview of the Ardrishaig area

 This 3D model video shows a visualisation of the route travelling South along the A82 from Ardrishaig, alongside and aerial view.

Legend

The data in this map is provided for indicative purposes only and may be subject to change. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc do not accept responsibility for its accuracy, completeness or validity. The data should not be copied, reproduced or utilised externally without permission.

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Inveraray Primary School - Volunteering

24 Aug 2020 18:13
In order to assist Inveraray Primary School in their preparations for welcoming the children back to school this Summer, both SSEN Transmission and Balfour Beatty project team members volunteered to help ready the school grounds by painting all of the sheds, the outdoor classroom, picnic benches, bike sheds and the parents shelter. We also carried out some pressure washing around the school entrance and supplied and installed new bark and stone for areas where they were required. Thankfully, despite all of the recent rain, the team managed to get in to the grounds during a warm dry spell to carry out the works successfully, with the majority of works completed by the time the children returned.
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First Towers Topped Out

17 Jul 2020 09:31
As work continues on Phase 1 of the Inveraray to Crossaig overhead line (OHL) project, we are pleased to announce that the first towers have now been topped out. The team are making great progress with 23 towers fully erected so far, and are on track to construct a further 106 towers by the end of the first phase, which would see completion of the new build overhead line between Inveraray and Port Ann, alongside associated substation modifications by mid-2021. To find out more about how works are progressing on the Inveraray - Crossaig project, please view our adjacent project update video.
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Project update - April 2020

17 Apr 2020 14:34
In advance of a phased return to full construction activity which will begin next week, we have today published the attached update on our project website to help address some of the common queries that have been raised regarding the continuation of the Inveraray-Port Ann transmission project (part of the wider Inverary-Crossaig transmission line replacement project). This full update can be viewed on the Project Overview section, or is available to download from the 'Project documentation' tab.
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Fulfiling our critical role in Argyll and Bute

02 Apr 2020 14:15
As transmission network operator in the north of Scotland, we play a vital role in powering the country, providing a safe and reliable supply of electricity at local, regional and national level, on which the people and organisations whose work is critical to the Coronavirus response depend. Our employees are working 24/7 to keep the network running, providing an essential service transporting energy to where it is needed. Working in some of the remotest parts of the UK, our employees and supporting contractors need to be able to move around the UK to ensure this work continues. SSEN Transmission is collaborating on a daily basis with government authorities across the UK. In the absence of specific guidance and with companies understandably expected to use their judgement on what is critical, SSE is currently deeming critical activity to relate to that which is: • Essential to the safe and reliable supply of electricity in the medium term, which includes meeting our regulatory obligations until the end of the coming winter. • Protecting the public – through the provision of electricity • Directly supporting organisations critical to the Coronavirus response and SSE’s own Coronavirus response. • Providing support for vulnerable customers In conducting its critical work, there will be the need to be active on certain construction sites, such as Inveraray to Crossaig, where it fits the criteria above and SSEN Transmission will continue to engage constructively with all relevant authorities, adapting our advice in line with what is clearly an evolving situation. The set of works under way right now in Argyll and Bute are part of an urgent programme of rebuilding the line to ensure continued security of supply, whilst also making provision for generation growth. We are reviewing the situation locally to ensure our contract partners are particularly sensitive to the needs and concerns of the communities that we serve. We are ensuring we apply the necessary mitigation with our safety guidelines and that all appropriate measures are being taken. Our operatives are working in challenging circumstances in the recognition of the importance of the works and the benefits to the local community. We continue to encourage careful consideration regarding the use of community facilities by all employees involved in performing our critical works in Lochgilphead and surrounding area.
Find out more
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Public Access - Achnabreac Firetower Trail

16 Dec 2019 09:40
Throughout construction of the Inveraray – Crossaig project, our project team and contractors endeavour to limit our impact to the local public and wherever possible, are utilising existing forestry access routes to avoid increased construction traffic on public roads. In areas such as Achnabreac however, where there are popular recreational walking paths and mountain bike routes adjacent to forestry roads, increased consideration to public safety must be undertaken. Therefore, whilst we are delighted to announce we are able to retain full access to Forestry and Land Scotland’s (FLS) 3 public walking trails at Achnabreac, in consultation with FLS the decision has however been made to close the adjacent Firetower Trail for the first half of 2020. There will be safety signage implemented at the area and we thank recreational users in advance for adhering to this signage and apologise for any inconvenience caused. Alternative thrilling mountain bike trails to be explored whilst the Firetower Trail is closed can be found on the Forestry and Land Scotland Website.
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Inveraray Christmas Lights

29 Nov 2019 15:10
Our construction contractors Balfour Beatty have gotten into the festive spirit early this year, assisting Inveraray Community Council with their annual festive light event. The community council were in need of a cherry picker and operator for the task, and after contacting the SSEN Transmission Inveraray - Crossaig team for help, Stan Payne from our contractor Balfour Beatty volunteered to lend a hand in ensuring the lights went up in advance of their parade this Saturday, much to the thanks of the local community.
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Forestry Works Commence

21 Oct 2019 13:24
Forestry works for the Inveraray - Crossaig project have recently commenced. The works include timber harvesting, extraction of timber lengths and stacking of timber adjacent to the forest road between Inveraray and Lochgilphead, loading of timber and transportation by timber lorry, road building and mulching operations. Scottish Woodlands Utilities have been contracted to conduct all forestry operations on our behalf. There will be advance warning signage on approach to the work sites and additional signage on approach to the timber to provide notification on approach to their work area and their timber stacks. We thank local forestry road users for their cooperation whilst we carry out these essential works.
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Inveraray - Temporary Traffic Lights

02 Oct 2019 16:24
Pre-construction works for our Inveraray – Crossaig project are due to commence this month. We’re focused on keeping disruption in the area to a minimum and will therefore be diverting a lot of our construction traffic through access tracks. We will however need to widen some bell-mouth junctions around the A83, A819 and Old Military Road for access to these tracks and will be required to install some temporary traffic lights whilst we do so. Temporary traffic lights on the entrance to Inveraray from these roads will be phased between: 30 September 2019 – Mid-November 2019. We thank you in advance for your patience whilst we carry out these essential works.
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Section 37 Consent Granted

02 Aug 2019 16:21
We welcome the decision by Scottish Ministers to grant consent for the replacement of the Inveraray-Crossaig overhead electricity transmission power line. As part of its consent decision, the Scottish Government has attached a number of conditions, including the requirement for SSEN Transmission to submit details of proposed landscape mitigation, which will include tree planting, to help mitigate local landscape impacts of the project at both the Crinan Canal and where the line passes Tarbert. We now look forward to working closely with the local communities and other interested parties throughout the construction phase and as a responsible developer, we will do everything we can to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. The construction phase of the project will be split into two phases, the first runs from Inveraray to Port Ann, with work on the section scheduled to begin in the coming months. This first phase is expected to be complete towards the end of 2021. The second phase, from Port Ann to Crossaig, is expected to begin construction in 2021 and is due to be completed in summer 2024.
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Interactive summary for Inveraray-Crossaig proposals

16 Aug 2018 14:33
To give a better understanding of SSEN’s proposed upgrade to the line between Inveraray and Crossaig, it has developed a web-based interactive summary of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. This interactive summary, interactive maps, visualisations and other information and is designed to be viewed on a wide range of devices and formats, for example Android and Mac, tablets, laptops and phones. To view, please copy and paste the following link: https://rambollglobal.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=5d7cd7763351406db34a81321aaa9672
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Application Submission

27 Jul 2018 10:57
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHE Transmission) has today submitted a consent application to the Scottish Government for the Inveraray – Crossaig project to install a 275 kV overhead line (to be initially operated at 132 kV) between Inveraray substation and Crossaig substation. A copy of the application, with a plan showing the land to which it relates, together with a copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report discussing the Company’s proposals in more detail are available for inspection, free of charge. This can be accessed during normal opening hours at Cambpbeltown Customer Service Point, Tarbert Library and Lochgilphead Customer Service Point. The EIA Report can also be viewed at The Scottish Government Library, at Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ; or through the Scottish Government portal http://www.energyconsents.scot/. For further information, or to request either a USB flash drive copy of the report (at a charge of £10) or a free short non-technical summary, please contact the project Community Liaison Manager, Kelly Scott. Any representations to the application may be submitted via the Energy Consents Unit website at www.energyconsents.scot/Register.aspx; by email to The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit mailbox at representations@gov.scot or by post, to The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU, identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation.
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Public Feedback

04 Dec 2017 15:42
The project team would like to extend thanks to all members of the public who took the time to attend our public pre-application consultation events or contributed feedback towards the proposals at any stage of the process. The third set of events held in Inveraray, Ardrishaig, Tarbert, Skipness and Carradale between the end of September and start of October this year, enabled our project team to showcase the further developments made on the proposals and receive comment on the preferred route alignment. The closing date for feedback was 3 November 2016 and all responses received are currently being reviewed ahead of final project refinement prior to submission of a planning application.
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Consultation Document

12 Sep 2017 13:10
You can find the Inveraray to Crossaig Consultation Document in the "Project Documentation" section, titled ‘Inveraray to Crossaig 275 kV OHL Alignment Selection Consultation Document’. The associated Figures are also available for download. The Consultation Document and Figures provide a summary of the alignment choices considered during the design process which has been carried out since the last public exhibition in March 2016. The alignment choices we have considered are included, along with the reasons for our choice of Preferred Alignment. This document was provided to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consent Unit and Statutory Consultees in June 2017.
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Scoping Report

28 Jul 2017 17:00
We have sought a scoping opinion from the Scottish Government for the proposed Inveraray-Crossaig overhead line. Copies of the scoping request and supporting information can be accessed within the project documentation tab. The purpose of the scoping request is to establish the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
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Project Newsletter

30 Mar 2017 16:00
As the project team continue to establish a route alignment for the replacement overhead line, further consultation on the Inveraray-Crossaig project is now scheduled for Autumn 2017. However, as we aim to ensure that the local community are well informed of the work that has been carried out since the last public consultation; an in-depth project newsletter shall be published in the summer time. The newsletter shall involve details of the survey work undertaken, changes to the initial proposals and further details of the environmental constraints currently being considered. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on the newsletter which will be digitally uploaded to the project webpage. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the newsletter once published, please email the project Community Liaison Manager to register your interest and provide an address.
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Consultation Rescheduling

23 Dec 2016 13:50
During the most recent public consultation events held for the Inveraray-Crossaig Overhead Line Reinforcement Project in March 2016, the indicative project timeline displayed further consultation events scheduled for August 2016. In late summer the project underwent a period of review resulting in a postponement of consultation. We are continuing to progress with the project and are currently in the process of identifying a route alignment. Public consultation events displaying the route alignment are intended to be held in the first quarter of 2017. Once dates are selected in the New Year the events will be publicly advertised and local communities informed. If you have any questions regarding the project or further consultation dates, please do not hesitate to contact our Community Liaison Manager, Kelly Scott.

Document downloads

MAKI - Inveraray to Port Ann Overhead Line Project update - August 2020.
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File Type: pdf
Published: 02 Sep 2020
Mid Argyll CLG - June 2020 - Presentation
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File Type: pdf
Published: 08 Jul 2020
Inveraray - Crossaig - Project Update - April 2020
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Inveraray Crossaig - Public Notice - Achnabreac - Jan 2020
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Tarbert & Skipness CC presentation 14th November 2019
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File Type: pdf
Published: 18 Nov 2019
Inveraray CC Presentation October 2019
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Public Notice - Temporary Traffic Lights - Sept 2019
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Report on Consultation- Alignment Selection and EIA Scoping - June 2018
Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
EIA Report - Volume 1 - Non Technical Summary - July 2018
Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Inveraray - Crossaig Public Consultation Brochure - Sept 2017

Related Projects: Inveraray - Crossaig

Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Public Consultation Advert - Sept 2017
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Argyll Region Sep 2017 Update
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Inveraray - Crossaig - EIA Scoping Report - Aug 2017
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020
Public Consultation Advert - March 2016
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File Type: pdf
Published: 19 May 2020

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