Crossaig 275kV Substation

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.

As part of the associated construction works for the new Crossaig 275kV substation our Principal Contractor Siemens-BAM will be undertaking a programme of rock blasting in the vicinity of the substation site from 24 October for approximately 8 weeks. We anticipate there to be 10 blasts within this period.

Please note these works will not impact the movements of the local community or visitors to the area and while we expect any noise disruption to be minimal, we would like to apologise in advance for any caused due to the works. All works are undertaken in line with industry best practice, however, if you have any concerns on these activities, please do not hesitate to contact your Community Liaison Manager Martha Smart

With forestry works complete, our principal contractor has mobilised to site. Key upcoming works include drainage on the Crossaig North platform with water being diverted to the onsite peat restoration area and the installation of access tracks linking Crossaig South with existing Crossaig North and Overhead Line platform. In addition, access track repairs and maintenance work across the Cross Kintyre Haul Road are ongoing.

The project working hours are as follows;

07.00hrs to 19.00hrs Mon to Friday

07.00hrs to 18.00hrs Saturday

07.00hrs to 17.00hrs Sunday

If you have any questions about this update or the project in general, please contact the Community Liaison Officer;

Martha Elizabeth Smart M: 07880998846

E: Martha.E.Smart@sse.com

We would like to alert users of a disruption to the core path network as part of the associated works for this project. 

The disruption relates specifically to the bridge, shown on the map, just north of Ford at Carradle Water. The works will run from 05/07/24 to 08/07/24 and are intended to secure the bridge for the heavy loads. On Friday 05/07/24 all recreational users will be able to pass the bridge with assistance from contractors. However, there will a period of time on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-1pm where the bridge will not be passable. During this time an alternative walkway will be installed to ensure users are still able to cross safely. 

If you have any questions regarding this update please email the Community Liasion Manager.

Martha Smart Martha.E.Smart@sse.com

Felling works on this project are due to take place week commencing 29/01/24. These works will consist of the following;

Timber Harvesting.

Mulching.

De-stumping by mulching to ground level of all stumps. 

Small-scale motor-manual felling, chipping and timber extraction. 

Small-scale arboricultural works.

If you have any questions regarding the above get in touch with the project community Liaison Manager. 

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 15^th of September 2023.

A planning application has been submitted by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (operating and known as SSEN Transmission) for detailed planning permission under The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 for the Erection of High Voltage Electricity Substation and Formation of Associated Access, Landscaping, Drainage and Means of Enclosure (the Crossaig North Substation) and an Extension to the Platform at the existing Crossaig substation, at land adjacent to the existing Crossaig Substation, approximately 8 km southwest of the village of Claonaig and approximately 6 km north of Grogport, Argyll and Bute.

The Proposed substation forms part of SSEN Transmission’s Argyll and Kintyre Strategy and is required to manage the transportation of renewable energy generation from Argyll to the wider electricity network.  The substation would connect into the existing 275 kV Overhead Line (OHL) from Inveraray to Crossaig. An Environmental Appraisal (EA) has been carried out as a non-statutory assessment to allow appropriate environmental management and mitigation measures to be identified. 

The relating documents for this application can be found on the project documents section of this webpage. 

Written comments may be made by e-mail: planning.hq@argyll-bute.gov.uk or Argyll and Bute Council, Development Management, Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT.

Should you wish to view the documents contained within our Section 37 application in full, these are available within the project documents section of this webpage. These can also be viewed on the Scottish Government Energy Consents website at www.energyconsents.scot under application reference ECU00004763.Any representations on the application may be submitted to Scottish Ministers via the Energy Consents Unit website at www.energyconsents.scot 

All representations should be made such that they are received by Scottish Ministers not later than 24^th April 2023, although Scottish Ministers may consider representations received after this date.As a result of a statutory objection from the relevant planning authority, or where Scottish Ministers decide to exercise their discretion to do so, Scottish Ministers can also cause a Public Inquiry (PI) to be held.