Overview
Public Consultation
This is the final event for the proposed alignment, design process, the planning process, environmental and engineering considerations and maps. We aim to give stakeholders and community members a better visual representation of the work on the project to date. Following our first statutory event for the revised alignment in early September we are holding this final feedback event to share any further design refinements and our responses to feedback received following the first event.
The consultation event will be taking place on:
Wednesday 1 October, 3–7pm
Mey Village Hall, Mey, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8XH
During this drop-in event we will share the latest project information about our proposals and the project team will be available to discuss our proposals and answer any questions. Stakeholder engagement is vital in shaping our proposals.
To do this effectively, we need to capture consultation feedback and harness local knowledge to identify challenges.
About the Project
Since the winter of 2010, we have been developing proposals for a new high voltage electricity overhead line in the Gills Bay area. The development has been prompted by proposed and contracted marine and wind renewable generators requiring connection to the main transmission network. There is no existing network in the area capable of accommodating this additional generation.
To provide the capacity needed, a combination of a new 132kV double circuit overhead line and underground cable is proposed between the recently constructed 275/132kV substation south of Thurso (Thurso South) and a new substation proposed at Philips Mains, south of Gills Bay (Gills Bay substation).
Community Engagement
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.
When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.
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

Public Consultation - 1 October 2025
Project updates
Documents
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GILLS BAY PAC2 BOOKLET - Oct 25.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 September 2025
- Size:
- 13.5 MB
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GILLS BAY PAC2 Banners - Oct 25.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 September 2025
- Size:
- 6 MB
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Consultation Site Location Plan Towers 25.09.25.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 September 2025
- Size:
- 9.5 MB
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Consultation Site Location Plan Towers 22.09.25.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 September 2025
- Size:
- 5.8 MB
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Consultation Environmental Constraints 22.09.25.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 September 2025
- Size:
- 4.8 MB
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GILLS-BAY-BOOKLET.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 August 2025
- Size:
- 15.2 MB
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GILLS-BAY-Banners.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 August 2025
- Size:
- 39.8 MB
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Gills Bay to Thurso South Connection - Site Location Map.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 August 2025
- Size:
- 2.8 MB
-
Environmental Designations and Constraints Map.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 August 2025
- Size:
- 6.5 MB
-
Gills Bay 2pp-booklet 24583 artwork-digital.
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 2.2 MB
This material provides information to our stakeholders about the project and/or consultation events.
-
Gills Bay consultation banners 24513 artwork digital.
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 2.2 MB
This material provides information to our stakeholders about the project and/or consultation events.
FAQs
FAQs
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