Gills Bay Radial

Consent for the proposed connection was previously granted in July 2019 (Energy Consents Unit Reference: EC00005260) under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. However, this consent expired in July 2024 and therefore we will be submitting a new application to the Scottish Ministers based on the previously consented design. An updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be submitted alongside the new application.

The design includes 10km of UGC in two sections to mitigate potential environmental impacts on ornithology and visual amenity. The underground sections are proposed between Thurso South Substation and Weydale, and between Reaster and the proposed Gills Bay Switching Station.

During this consultation, we are presenting our approach to developing the alignment selection. Our consultation includes information regarding our alignment process, the planning process, environmental and engineering considerations and maps which aim to give stakeholders and community members a better visual representation of the work on the project to date.

Date and Time:  Thursday 4 September, 3–7pm

Venue:  Mey Village Hall, Mey, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8XH

Our electricity network must be upgraded to ensure we can efficiently deliver this renewable energy to homes and businesses across the country.

Stakeholder engagement in the development phase is vital in shaping our proposals. To do this effectively, we need to capture consultation feedback and harness local knowledge to identify challenges and explore community benefit and opportunities.

We’re therefore requesting views regarding the alignment, and we invite all interested parties to attend our public drop-in event to discuss our plans with the project team and share your views.

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.

The Highland Council objected to our S37 application for the Gills Bay overhead line project on the grounds of visual impact in January 2017.

The application was then referred to the Scottish Government’s Department for Environment and Planning Appeals (DPEA) who allocated a Scottish Government Reporter to consider the application further through an inquiry. This has been completed with consent being subsequently granted in July 2019.

The project is now progressing; however, due to a change in background demand over time, we have undertaken a review of the project need. The result is that a re-design of the proposed substation at Gills Bay is required. The site will become a Switching Station as it is no longer required to house any 33 kV elements and associated transformers, therefore reducing in size and scope.

Once this design has been completed, we shall be applying for new Planning Consent for this revised switching station in early 2021.