Local green spaces across Beauly have been given a welcome boost thanks to a community volunteering initiative delivered by teams from SSEN Transmission and their contractor Siemens BAM (SEBAM).

A combined team of around 25 volunteers swapped their usual tools for spades, shovels and rakes to help spruce up several community garden spaces throughout the village.

The volunteers represented both the ongoing Beauly 132kV Substation upgrade as well as development teams from the proposed Fanellan Substation project, delivering a coordinated programme of improvements designed to benefit the local community.

Read the full story here

We are writing to provide a further update on the planned ground investigation works on the north and south sides of the River Beauly, near Black Bridge. Due to operational changes outside our control, we have had to update the programme for the planned ground investigation works in the Black Bridge area. The ground investigation works will now start from Monday 27 April 2026.

The temporary traffic lights arrangements remain unchanged from previous communications, but updated details of the stop and go board activity are set out below.

About the works

The works will remain the same. While the programme of works has changed, the overall duration remains as previously communicated and is subject to weather conditions and site progress.

During this time, a small team may be present on site, along with specialist equipment and some vehicle movements.

Update to the programme

Short‑duration lane closures will be required only for the loading and off‑loading of equipment. Each unloading activity is expected to last around 40 minutes, with stop and go boards in place.

The following dates are currently planned:

• South side of Black Bridge (entrance to the car park): 14 May
• South side of Black Bridge: 27 April
• North side of Black Bridge (between the A831 junction and the bridge): 18 May, 21 May, 26 May, 3 June

Rolling short duration stop and go boards will also be used throughout the duration of the works, only where required and only for the time needed to complete individual activities.

As previously communicated, a further single‑lane closure will be required, with traffic lights in place to manage traffic. This is still expected to start from 27 April 2026 and last for up to ten days.

Plant and equipment access to the south side of Black Bridge will be via Kiltarlity. This route is expected to have minimal impact, as vehicle movements will be limited and managed.

The car park on the south side of Black Bridge will be closed to parking for the duration of the works, with the agreement of the landowner. Access will be maintained to the cemetery and for the fishing syndicate to reach their bothy.

These works are being carried out under Class 40 permitted development rights for survey activities. The Highland Council has been informed of the works and the updated timeline.

Keeping you informed

Any updates will be published on the project webpage as works progress. Where there are significant changes to the programme or traffic management arrangements, these will be communicated directly.

If you have any questions about these works, please contact fanellanengagement@sse.com

Due to operational constraints outwith our control, we have had to update the programme for the planned ground investigation works in the Black Bridge area. Works will now commence on Monday 27 April.

You may have noticed that we have not been in the area recently while this update was being finalised. The temporary traffic lights arrangement remains unchanged, and we will issue an updated programme for the stop/go boards in due course.

A minor change has been made to the programme for the ground investigation works at Black Bridge. The start of all works has been moved back by one week, with works now due to begin on 20 April. All other dates within the previously outlined programme will remain unchanged.

Once works commence, the arrangements previously outlined for the ground investigation works, including use of the car park, will apply. Vehicular access directly to the cemetery and the fishy bothy will remain open.

We will continue to monitor activity on site and keep our communications under review as works progress. Please look out for any updates being posted on the Fanellan project page.

Ground investigation works will be taking place on the north and south sides of the River Beauly, near Black Bridge.

This update sets out information about the ground investigation works that are planned, what they involve, and what people may notice while they are underway.

About the works

The works will involve a small specialist team carrying out surveys and drilling to collect ground information. These are temporary activities and will be completed in stages as the work progresses.

The works are currently expected to start from Monday 13 April and continue for approximately six to eight weeks, subject to weather conditions and site progress.

During this time, a small team may be present on site, along with specialist equipment and some vehicle movements.

Why these works are necessary

The ground investigation works are required to support ongoing design development for the proposed Black Bridge works. Collecting detailed information about ground conditions helps ensure that any future designs are safe and appropriate for the location.

These works are being carried out under Class 40 permitted development rights for survey activities. The Highland Council has been informed of the works.

What to expect

Short‑duration lane closures will be required only for the loading and offloading of equipment. Each unloading activity is expected to last around 40 minutes, with stop and go signs in place.

The following dates are currently planned:

• North side of Black Bridge (between the A831 junction and the bridge): 13 April
• North side of Black Bridge (entrance to core path): 22 April, 8 May and 12 May
• South side of Black Bridge (entrance to the car park): 13 May
• South side of Black Bridge: 2 June

A further single‑lane closure will be required, with traffic lights in place to manage traffic. This is expected to start from 27 April and last for up to ten days.

Plant equipment access to the south side of Black Bridge will be via Kiltarlity. This route is expected to have minimal impact, as vehicle movements will be limited and managed.

The car park on the south side of Black Bridge will be closed to parking for the duration of the works, with the agreement of the landowner. Access will be maintained for the cemetery and for the fishing syndicate to reach their bothy.

If there are any changes to the information above, updates will be provided.

If you have any questions about these specific works, please contact fanellanengagement@sse.com.

We would like to make local communities aware of upcoming survey works on the existing Beauly–Denny overhead line in the Fanellan area. As access for the survey team will be taken from the Fanellan site, we are sharing this information so you are aware in case you notice activity in the area. Residents close to the works location have been informed.

What is happening

Contractors will be carrying out site investigation works around three of the existing Beauly – Denny towers. This will involve short-period excavation using a 5-tonne excavator, along with percolation testing to assess ground conditions. These investigations help our engineers understand the ground conditions needed for future restringing works. We expect minimal disruption, with brief periods of noise and occasional contractor or vehicle movements as the team moves between tower locations. All access for the works will be taken from the Fanellan site, but the activity relates solely to the existing overhead line.

When the work will take place

The works are planned to begin on 23 March 2026 and will continue for around two weeks, with a completion date of early April, subject to weather conditions. Activity will be limited to the tower foundations and the access routes between them.

We have received some enquiries regarding the ongoing archaeological surveys at the proposed Fanellan site and would like to provide some further clarity around the permissions and purpose of these works. 

Archaeological investigations began on site at the end of 2025 and are being carried out under Class 40 permitted development rights, which allow statutory undertakers to undertake temporary ground investigation works with full reinstatement of the affected land to take place afterwards. All activities were agreed in advance with the Highland Council’s archaeological team, and findings are being reported through the Archaeological Clerk of Works.

It is currently anticipated that these surveys will continue to late Spring. In the event they are required to continue beyond then, we will ensure that stakeholders are updated accordingly. 

As previously communicated, we would like to further reassure stakeholders that the continuation of these surveys should not be viewed as a predetermination of the appeal process.  

Throughout this process, our commitment to open, positive and constructive engagement with local communities and stakeholders remains unchanged. 

We appreciate that people hold different views on the project, and we are committed to continuing transparent dialogue and providing regular updates. 

A further update on these surveys will be shared in April. 

Please do get in touch if you have any questions. 

Following the recent decision by the Highland Council’s South Planning Committee to refuse the proposed Fanellan project, we wanted to share some additional context and reassurance about pre-construction investigatory works that continue on site.

Whilst we are naturally disappointed by the Committee’s decision, particularly given it went against the recommendation of the Council’s Planning team, we can confirm that we intend to appeal the decision to the Scottish Government’s Department for Planning and Environmental Appeals.

In the meantime, the investigatory activities on site that began before Christmas are intended to continue, with archaeological surveys due to progress over the coming months.  The conclusion of these works is required prior to the commencement of main construction works, should planning consent be granted following an appeal process.

Separately, we also continue to develop the proposed design for the replacement of Black Bridge, taking into account the feedback received during the statutory consultation event of December 2025. Again, should consent be granted for the substation following appeal, the replacement of the Black Bridge will be required to support the transportation of certain key components to site.

We anticipate holding the second Pre Application Consultation event in late spring 2026, and will confirm dates as soon as they are finalised.

Why we are continuing these works

The continuation of these surveys and consultation events are not considered to be a pre-determination of the appeal process, rather more that should the appeal be granted, we need to be able to progress the construction works efficiently and this is therefore being undertaken at SSENT`s risk.  They will help ensure that we have accurate information to support any potential design changes, mitigation measures or future planning/construction considerations.

Pausing certain works at this point would also risk having to repeat specialist work later if consent is granted, so completing them now ensures we maintain efficiency without advancing any irreversible work.

Throughout this process, our commitment to open, positive and constructive engagement with local communities and stakeholders remains unchanged.

We appreciate that people hold different views on the project, and we are committed to continuing transparent dialogue and providing regular updates.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions 

FanellanEngagement@sse.com

We would like to thank all local community members and stakeholders who took the time to attend our recent public consultation events which took place on Thursday 4 December in relation to our proposed new Fanellan 400kV Substation and Converter Station should the development receive consent.

Our feedback period closed on Tuesday 13 January 2026 where we welcomed comments regarding our proposals to replace the Black Bridge near Kilmorack.

Although the formal feedback period has closed, we continue to welcome comments on how we can engage with you during the next phase of the project, you can provide this by getting in touch with us through either of the below methods;

Email: FanellanEngagement@sse.com

Post: SSEN Transmission, 10 Henderson Road, Inverness, IV1 1SN

The consultation materials remain available on our project webpage.

We would like to inform you of upcoming escorted vehicle movements scheduled to travel through Kiltarlity village.

The Highland Council will be visiting the Fanellan site on Monday, 19 January 2026, and to support this visit a machine will be transported to site to demonstrate heights and levels. These vehicle movements will be escorted as outlined below:

Friday, 16th January 2026

• One escorted low loader will transport a boom lift to the Fanellan site in preparation for the visit from The Highland Council Councillors on Monday, 19 January 2026.

Monday, 19 January 2026

• One escorted low loader will transport the boom lift from the Fanellan site following the Council visit.

We do not anticipate any disruption to the local community as a result of these movements. The contractor has been advised of local school drop off and collection times and will plan vehicle movements to avoid these busy periods wherever possible.

Update re the proposed Fanellan  project

Site Closure and Re-Opening 

• The site closed on Friday 19th December and will re-open on the morning of 5th January 2026.   There will be no generators running over this period.
• A small team will be on site on Sunday, 4th January to re-plumb and refuel equipment, ensuring a safe return for the workforce. 

Security Measures- security cameras have always been present on site, the cameras have been upgraded 

• A CCTV mast has been erected in the site compound. 
• Additional CCTV towers have been installed for enhanced security: one in the site compound and one at the farmer’s yard. 
• Occasional security/safety visits to the site may be conducted throughout the festive period by our contractors

January Work Programme 

• Archaeology surveys will re- commence w/c 5th January .  Please see additional information below.
• This will be supported by 4 excavators, 1 dozer, and the necessary management team. The most part of the surveys will be hand digging, therefore noise impacts are anticipated to be negligible.
• Topographical & GPR Survey on the A833 at the entrance to Beaufort Estate  

Mitigating noise impacts in January 

• Noise monitoring will be erected within the compound on both East and West sides.
• Acoustic barriers will be erected to minimise noise from generators while running. 

Travel Arrangements 

Car sharing and public transport is utilised to minimise impact on local communities. 

Additional Updates  -   re Archaeology/Heritage surveys

Following the review of the first phase of surveys undertaken in accordance with The Highland Council Historic Environment Team (THC HET), further heritage features have been recorded that require more detailed assessment during Phase 2.

This additional scope has been agreed with The Council.

To ensure these works are completed as soon as practicable, we will be deploying additional archaeologists and supervisors to site. Consequently, further welfare provisions are required.

The site team are looking to complete these site surveys as soon as practicable.

The archaeology/heritage surveys will recommence in 2026 after the festive break. We are currently working up a programme to completion, but this will ultimately depend on what is found and availability of archaeologists, so it can be difficult to provide an accurate programme for their completion. Current working arrangements are between Monday to Friday and is largely hand digging. As such, we anticipate minimal disruption to the local community resulting from these surveys.

Please see update on some ongoing and upcoming works and associated plant movements in the A833 area associated with SSEN Transmission’s Fanellan project: New Fanellan 400kV substation and Converter Station - SSEN Transmission

1. Archaeological Works – Fanellan Site

• Reason: Recent archaeological findings require the team to stay on site longer and additional welfare facilities to be provided.
• Additional Machinery: 6 units
• Dates: 15/12/25 – 18/12/25
• Travel Route: Escorted through Kiltarlity

3. Topographical Survey – C1106 to Fanellan Road Junction

• Purpose: establish existing road and drainage level and Surveyors will record land levels and coordinates using GNSS equipment.
• Area: See attached map
• Dates:
• 10/12/25 – 12/12/25
• 15/12/25 – 19/12/25
• Road Management: One surveyor will act as a lookout and ensure safety by moving to a safe spot when vehicles pass.

4. Topographical & GPR Survey on the A833 at the entrance to Beaufort Estate

Purpose: To establish existing road and drainage level and Surveyors will record land levels and coordinates using satellite equipment.

• Dates: 12/01/26 – 16/01/26
• Road Management: Temporary traffic lights will be in place.

Please note that sometimes dates may change due to circumstances beyond our contractor’s control, however they will endeavour to stagger vehicle movements where possible and scheduled outside school drop-off and pick-up times.

If you have any questions please email: FanellanEngagement@sse.com

We invite local residents and stakeholders to attend the first of two rounds of statutory pre-application (PAC) consultation events for our proposals to replace the Black Bridge near Kilmorack. 

These proposals are in relation to our proposed new Fanellan 400kV Substation and Converter Station should the development receive consent. 

Consultation events will take place on:

Thursday 4 December, 11.45–2.15pm, Phipps Hall, Beauly, IV4 7EH

and

Thursday 4 December, 4–6.45pm, Kiltarlity Village Hall, IV4 7HH

Please note that the Beaufort Access Track will not form part of the consultation event as initially advertised. Development of the project is ongoing and therefore has not reached a stage suitable for external consultation.

Specialist Excavation Works –  Proposed Fanellan Site   

Specialist excavation works required as part of ground investigations at the proposed Fanellan site will include a trial for ‘blasting’, a controlled technique used to break up materials to allow for excavation. This is a standard method in infrastructure development, designed to assess any potential impact on nearby structures and ensure full compliance with safety standards. 

Following excavations at site to expose rockhead throughout W/C 20 October, deliveries to site are due to be undertaken early in the W/C 27 October.

• Deliveries of plant and materials 27 and 28 October; a drill rig and aggregate (27) and materials (28); escorted via Kiltarlity.
• Trial blast date; Tuesday 28 October
• Rig removed from site; Wednesday 29 October; escorted via Kiltarlity.

During the trial, you may notice a short, sharp noise, minor ground vibrations within close proximity to the site and visible safety signage and personnelThe trial blast will take place in the area marked with a red cross on the site plan and staff will be present indicated by the yellow marks on the map to stop anyone inadvertently accessing the area. 

Following the trial, further specialist excavations are due to take place in the following weeks, and we’ll write to you to provide further information once available.

Specialist Excavation Works – Trial Location

Investigation Works on A833 near Beaufort Estate

Following our recent announcement regarding the agreement with Beaufort estate which would see construction traffic directed through the estate grounds, investigation works are scheduled to begin Tuesday 21 October on the A833 adjacent to Beaufort Estate.

The works will involve hand digging trial holes and will be carried out under a phased single-lane closure, managed by temporary traffic lights. The investigation is expected to take approximately 5 days to complete.

Please find below a map showing the location of the works, marked in red.

A833 Investigation Works Location

LIDAR Surveys for proposed Spittal – Beauly Overhead Line

Preparatory LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) works have recently commenced around Beauly, with teams installing ground control points—small, marked spots on roads—to help improve GPS accuracy when survey vehicles later map the area, allowing for further contractor assessment of roads and tracks. 

The team will be continuing these works northward throughout the coming weeks, with LIDAR surveys between Beauly and Loch Buidhe anticipated to be completed by the end of the month, although timescales are subject to change.  

Please be assured that all works outlined in this update fall under permitted development rights and are fully compliant with all relevant planning and environmental regulations.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation whilst these investigation works continue. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Fanellan.engagement@sse.com.

Following feedback from the local community, SSEN Transmission has proposed a new construction traffic route that would significantly reduce the impact on the village of Kiltarlity. An agreement has been reached with the Beaufort Estate to direct the majority of construction traffic through the estate grounds, effectively bypassing the village.

Read the full press release here: SSEN Transmission proposes new construction traffic route for Fanellan substation, reducing impact on Kiltarlity - SSEN Transmission

This proposal has been submitted as an update to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) supporting the Planning application, and forms part of a wider package of traffic mitigation measures.

As such, the Highland Council have re-opened their consultation period for the Fanellan Planning application, and will advise of consultation dates within their Planning portal and in a public notice, which will contain further information.

The additional documents can be found within the Planning application on the Highland Council’s website using application reference number 25/00826/FUL. The application can also be viewed by appointment between 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday at the Infrastructure, Environment and Economy Service, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX and between opening hours at Kiltarlity Post Office.

You can also view the supplementary information from the ‘Documents’ section on the SSEN Transmission Fanellan webpage.

We will continue to work with the Highland Council to explore long-term solutions, including the potential replacement of the Black Bridge, which could serve as the main route for transformer deliveries scheduled for 2029.

We would like to update you on the archaeological investigation works currently underway site-wide within the boundary area of the proposed Fanellan site, these are programmed to continue to the end of the year.
 
All works are conducted under our Permitted Development Rights as a Statutory Undertaker and are essential to assess the potential presence of archaeological remains, such as ancient settlements, artefacts, or burial sites. The extent of the investigations has been agreed with The Highland Council.
 
As part of these, from the week of 8th September, work will also be in Butlers field and the adjacent field. A rubber tyred excavator in lieu of the previous tracked excavator will be used to help mitigate track noise and will also alleviate construction traffic off the track entrance. It will be moving between these two areas. Fencing is to be erected in the field opposite Butlers field, An approximate duration for these is 3 weeks.
 
Site Compound and Traffic Management

As previously advised, we are continuing to use our existing compound for this phase of work to minimise traffic through the local area.
 
Working Hours 

There will not be any plant operation or excavation work out with 8am-1800hrs Monday to Friday. Staff may arrive at the compound before 8:00am and additional `SLOW` and `Children Crossing` signs will be erected to remind all road users to travel with care. The Contractor will also be including safety talks within their Toolbox talks.
 
Trial Blast – Postponed

We previously advised that a short trial blast was due to commence during the week of 15th September. This has now been postponed. We will provide an update once a new date is confirmed.
 
Ongoing Communication

Please note that all activities remain subject to change, depending on ground conditions and findings. We will continue provide updates of any changes which may impact the community/residents.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at:Fanellan.Engagement@sse.com 

Validation of SSEN Transmission`s Section 37 application to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) for the Beauly to Denny OHL permanent diversion.

Under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, the application is seeking consent to permanently divert a section of the existing 400 kV overhead transmission line (OHL) between Beauly and Denny, to install and keep approximately 1.7 km of overhead line supported on steel towers, and tie into a proposed new 400 kV Substation and Converter Station at Fanellan (planning application reference 25/00826/FUL). This application for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 also covers a temporary diversion of part of the OHL which will be needed to facilitate construction of the permanent OHL diversion works and the proposed new 400 kV Fanellan Substation and Converter Station. 

The OHL diversions will be located approximately 5 km south-west of Beauly near Inverness (OS Grid Reference NH 48201 43005).

Viewing the application:

Our application has now been validated by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) and can be viewed in full.

If you wish to view the Section 37 application and submit formal comment to the Scottish Ministers, it is available on the Energy Consents Unit’s website: www.energyconsents.scot The application reference is:  ECU00005056

All the documentation submitted as part of the application can also be viewed and downloaded via our dedicated project website in the coming days.

A hard copy of the application location map can be viewed at the following location in the next day onwards.

Copies of a short Non-Technical Summary for the Environmental Appraisal can be made available (free of charge on request). 

Submitting comments:

Any representations in respect of the application may be submitted via;

• the Energy Consents Unit website at 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, 4^th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU, identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation. Please note that there may be a delay in the Energy Consents Unit receiving representations by post.

All formal representations regarding the application need to be sent directly to the ECU and should not be sent to SSEN Transmission. Please note that we cannot send these to ECU on your behalf.

Advertising and Questions:

Alongside this email notification we will also issue a formal public advert,  updates on this application will be shared on our New Fanellan 400kV substation and Converter Station - SSEN Transmission.

Please contact the ECU if you have any questions on the application documents themselves. Once the application has been submitted SSEN Transmission is no longer able to engage in technical discussions, or answer queries specific to the application.  All queries must be directed through the ECU.

We are writing to inform you about upcoming bearing inspection works required on the Black Bridge which will result in a temporary road closure over the bridge. Following feedback from Kiltarlity Community Council, it has been decided that an overnight 8-hour road closure is preferred rather than shorter frequent closures. Therefore, the road will be closed from 10pm on Tuesday 19^th August to 6am Wednesday 20^th August.

Please be assured that the road will be re-opened in plenty of time for the school run.

Our principal contractor, BAM will be carrying out the work. To support local traffic planning, clear signage indicating the road closure and diversion routes will be in place from 12th August to raise awareness of this closure.

We encourage all members of the community to review the attached file for details of the diversion routes and plan their alternative journeys accordingly.

Important Note: In the event of an emergency, works will be suspended immediately, and the road will be re-opened to allow emergency vehicle access.

Information about the proposed Fanellan project is available on the project webpage New Fanellan 400kV substation and Converter Station - SSEN Transmission 

Please see road closure map 

Please do get in touch via the project mailbox if you have any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding

As soon as Storm Floris subsided some of the project team were out cleaning up a number of large branches on the Fanellan road, this was followed by the mechanical road sweeper removing the remaining storm debris to ensure safe accessibility and travel for all road users.

The initial phase of ground investigation works for the proposed Fanellan project will be completed at the end of week commencing 21 July 2025.

We would like to thank the local community for their cooperation and understanding during this phase of works.

Next week there will be some demobilisation of containers where lorries with trailers will be travelling through Kiltarlity.  We do not foresee any major disruption to the local traffic network.  However,  the cabins in the site compound will remain for the next phase of investigations, this is to minimise any traffic disruption in the local area and to prevent unnecessary traffic movement back and forth through Kiltarlity.

There will be an ongoing site presence for security reasons over the coming months.

This next phase of site investigations will start in September 2025, and further information will be shared in advance of these.`

Further survey and inspection works are being carried out in the coming weeks in the Kiltarlity area.  This will help inform the developing traffic management plan for the proposed Fanellan project. 

There will be some non-intrusive surveys and inspections in the Kiltarlity area which we hope to start on the 6/5/25, and there are others as explained below which required traffic management.

These works are being planned and sequenced in the order listed below and inspected one site at a time to minimise any disruption to road users. There will not be any weekend working, but traffic maybe controlled with traffic lights for safety purposes.

When inspection works will be carried out

We propose to carry out the surveys to the structure that require traffic management to be in place between the12^th  May 2025 and the 16^th June 2025. Specific details regarding traffic management have been provided below.

Areas where there may be short delays with traffic management in place.

Structure 1 - Inspections will be carried out on a section of the retaining wall alongside the A833 from the A862. This requires STOP/GO signs for 1 day only on the 9/5/25.

Structure 4 - Allerburn Bridge in Kiltarlity– Inspection works will take approximately three weeks to complete . This will involve reducing the carriageway to one lane with traffic light control in place between 12/5/25 and 26/5/25.

Structure 5 - Bruich Bridge – Inspection works will take approximately 1 week to complete, and road narrowing traffic management will be required, though normal traffic flow will be maintained. This will be in place from 28/5/25 to 5/6/25.

Structure 6 - Allt Coiche Bridge – This inspection will take approximately 1 week and will involve reducing the carriageway to one lane with traffic light control in place from 9/6/25 to 16/6/25.

Every effort will be made to reduce the above timescales in each location.    

Please allow extra time for your journeys as there will be short delays while this traffic management is in place, and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

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.

Our principal Contractor SiemensBam have informed us that they need to increase the size of their work compound while the ground investigation works are being carried out.  

Therefore, from this week onwards until Friday 28th February, there will be an increase in construction traffic in the area while additional site cabins, plant and aggregate are brought to site to carry out this work.  Where required larger plant will be escorted and will travel from A833 through Kiltarlity village, turn right before Culburnie and travel onwards, turning left at the Fanellan junction up to the site compound beside the bottling plant.   Please see map below.  

Plant will be demobilised on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th February. 

To minimise any local impacts the contractor will carry out these deliveries after 9.30am and avoiding times between 3pm-4.15pm and between 12-1pm on Fridays.   

We anticipate minimal impacts from these traffic movements. 

Following completion of recent Ground Investigation works at the Black Bridge, we and SiemensBam have submitted a Road Works notification via the Scottish Road Works Register (SRWR) Aurora system to notify the Council of the planned works.Our traffic management contractor is liaising with the local road's inspector on the traffic management plans.

The drill rig to be removed on Friday 07 February subject to approval of the required Notice submitted.

The removal of this rig by a low loader will take approximately 30 minutes and this is planned sometime between 9.30am-11.30am on Friday to avoid peak morning traffic. 

From the A833 the low-loader will be escorted through Kiltarlity village , where it will then turn right along the road before Culburnie heading in the direction of the Fanellan junction.  At the junction it will turn and then reverse to Black Bridge for the rig to be uplifted and will then exit the area along the same route.   There may be several minutes delay at the junction area and when the rig is uplifted, though we are aiming to cause minimal delays.

Traffic management will be in place, and residents along the route will maintain full access to their properties.  Road users will also, under traffic management be able to pass by the loader/loader and rig when it is safe to do so, though there may be very short delays at such times if it is not safe to pass.

Patience is appreciated during any short delays while the safe removal of the drilling rig can be carried out.

As part of the proposed Western Isles HVDC project SSEN Transmission are required to carry out further Ground Investigation (GI) and environmental survey works along the mainland cable route which will connect the proposed substation/converter station project on Lewis to the proposed substation/converter station project at Fanellan near Beauly. 

The GI work is due to start w/c 27th January off a section of the A832 near Dundonnell and is expected to take approximately 2 weeks.  Traffic management will be in place and there may be short delays to your journey. The works will involve the use of specialist plant and equipment to determine underlying ground conditions. Further ground investigations will be carried out on different sections of the route over the coming months.

We apologise for any inconvenience these may cause.

Please see the map below which shows the mainland cable route in green.

The environmental survey works are due to commence shortly and will involve non-intrusive visual inspection of the whole route by small teams of environmental specialists on foot. These works are expected to take 2 weeks.

If you have any queries about this work, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Liaison Managers for this project.

We are getting in touch to provide an update on the proposed new substation and converter station at Fanellan.  The formal consultation process ended in the Summer and since then further survey and investigative works have and are being carried out to further inform the final design.  It is anticipated that SSEN Transmission will submit the Planning Application early in the New Year. 

We will keep you informed and let you know when the application is on The Highland Council portal for viewing, downloading documents and submitting comments. 

Below is a summary of activities that have been taking place and ones that are planned in the coming months: 

Black Bridge ground investigation works 

These works to assess the condition of the Black Bridge began in November and are now scheduled to be completed in January.   Should the proposed Fanellan project be consented, a key part of the construction strategy will be a traffic management plan to be agreed with The Highland Council ahead of construction works.  

Due to the deteriorating bridge condition SSEN Transmission proposes to replace the bridge to ensure it can safely withstand the weight and extent of vehicle movement to and from site at the same time as ensuring access for other heavy vehicles for the community, such as fuel delivery and farm machinery and so on. More details regarding these proposals will be shared in the New Year, following completion of the ground investigation works.  

In our most recent update regarding these works, it was stated that if weekend working had been agreed by local Community Councils, the duration of the Siemens Bam works were anticipated to reduce to 5 weeks as opposed to 7 weeks. However, the communication sent to the Community Councillors seeking their opinion on potential weekend working and the potential impacts, failed to outline the expected duration of these reduced timescales.  For this we would like to apologise. 

The team are demobilising this week and due to harder than anticipated ground conditions, will now require to return in the New Year (anticipated w/c 6th January)  to complete the remaining investigation works and  carry out reinstatement works towards the end of January. 

Ground investigation works at Fanellan  within the red line boundary area 

Ground investigation works to determine ground conditions for final design and program refinement within the red line boundary area are being carried out by SBAM, our principal contractor.  Taking place off public roads and on private land these works commenced week of 9th December, running until 20th December. They will resume  during the week of 6th January and are expected to be completed in May. 

In the New Year there will also be some local ground investigation works due to be carried out by the Spittal – Beauly and Beauly – Peterhead Overhead Line project teams.  

We appreciate that these investigative works can at times impact those living and working in the area, we do try to ensure that that impacts are kept to a minimum and apologise for any inconvenience the works may cause. 

Opportunity to ask outstanding questions 

We are planning to hold informal sessions following the planning application which is programmed for submission in the New Year.  Dates are to be confirmed. The aim of these sessions is to provide the opportunity for community members and other interested stakeholders to ask any outstanding project related questions to members of the project team about the project and subsequent planning application.  A notification detailing dates and times will be shared in the New Year. 

Finally, the Fanellan Engagement email box will be checked intermittently over the Xmas holiday period.  We return to business on 6 January and will respond to any outstanding emails as soon after that as possible. 

Wishing you a happy Festive period. 

Notification sent to Community Councils 16th September 2024

Dear Community Councillors

Update - possible temporary Black Bridge Closure

As you will be aware we have received emails from community members expressing their concerns and objections to the possible temporary closure of the Black Bridge to allow for ground investigation works to assess requirements for a bridge replacement.

Should the substation receive planning consent, a key part of this construction strategy will be a traffic management plan, to be agreed ahead of construction works with The Highland Council. This will include the transportation of vehicles to and from site, including key substation components, many of which will require heavy load vehicles.

Due to the deteriorating condition of the Black Bridge, which already has restrictions in place to limit vehicle movements in one direction only, SSEN Transmission proposes to replace this bridge to ensure it can safely withstand the weight and extent of vehicle movements required to safely transport vehicles and infrastructure to and from site. A replacement will continue to ensure access for other heavy vehicles to areas of the community, such as fuel delivery vehicles, farm machinery and so on.

A replacement bridge, funded by SSEN T, will also open traffic movements in both directions and help secure this important local transport route for current and future generations.

We are very mindful of the impacts and inconvenience to the community this potential closure will cause, and we are committed to working with the local community and wider stakeholders to minimise these. Comments and requests received from the Community are being noted and considered including the length of any closure and its impacts on local road users.

We are currently.

• Exploring all avenues to expedite the closure, including 24 hours working, caveated with the need to consult and consider locals who would be impacted by this.
• Maintaining access for emergency vehicles.
• Maintain access for pedestrians (cyclists, walkers).
• Exploring what can be done to minimise impacts on potential school bus journeys. We welcome any additional suggestions you may have.

This information will be used by the project team to develop mitigation measures within our plans to discuss with The Highland Council ahead of any agreements to a temporary closure.

Subject to agreement from the Highland Council for this potential temporary closure, SSEN Transmission will then ensure the community, and other affected stakeholders receive advance information including details of any temporary traffic diversions.

Please be advised that our principal contractor SBAM will continue to carry out required survey works between the hours of 0930 – 1600 hrs, Monday to Friday in the coming 2 weeks, week of 26th August and week of 2nd September. 

The works are limited to the public carriageway and verges.  Traffic management is in place and a signed diversion is in place to avoid possible delays. 

The two sections of roads affected are between the Fanellan Bottling Plant to the Black Bridge and between Kiltarlity and the Black Bridge. 

Please allow extra time for your journey. 

Apologies in advance for any inconvenience. 

The recording of the event and slide packs are available below for those who were unable to attend.

• Recording of the event
• Slide pack

Our Reports on Consultation across our three new overhead line projects and associated substation and convertor station developments have now been published. These reports provide a summary of the extensive feedback received during consultation, how this has been considered and confirmation of which routes and substations are now being taken forward to the next stage of development. 

Our Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab. 

Summary Reports on Consultation are also available for each of the three schemes and can be downloaded below:  

• Summary Report on Consultation Beauly to Peterhead  
• Summary Report on Consultation Spittal to Beauly
• Summary Report on Consultation Kintore to Tealing

A stakeholder webinar available for all to join will be held in the coming weeks to share the changes informed by the feedback. More information about the forthcoming webinar will be shared on our events page shortly.   

In further recognition of community feedback, we will seek to rationalise cumulative infrastructure impacts through the removal and undergrounding of existing transmission lines, where technically practical and appropriate, and subject to all necessary planning consents and landowner agreements. 

Work to identify and assess potential sections of existing overhead line where their removal will reduce cumulative impacts is ongoing, with an update expected as part of the next round of public consultation on overhead line alignments and more detailed substation designs in early 2024.  

We would once again like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to engage with our early consultation process. We will continue to engage with stakeholders ahead of consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine our proposals.

Over the course of this year, we have undertaken extensive consultation on plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland and have received a considerable amount of feedback from a wide range of stakeholders regarding our proposals. 

We recently advised in our next steps for 2030 network developments update that following assessment of consultation feedback and additional options analysis, we would publish our Report on Consultations (RoCs). These reports provide a summary of the feedback received and how it has been considered, which options we will take forward to the next stage of the development process and any changes to options initially consulted on.  

It is our intention to publish the RoCs for this project in the coming months. All stakeholders signed up for updates on the project will receive a link to the report and we will also issue Summary Reports to help ensure accessibility. 

These Report on Consultations mark the completion of the first round of non-statutory consultation, where we sought feedback on the corridor, route, and substation locations. We will be consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine the projects, therefore we welcome an open channel of communication and would like to reassure all stakeholders that there will be further opportunities to engage on this project.

Our Reports on Consultation and Summary Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab.

We have announced our next steps for our Pathway to 2030 programme of projects. We would like to thank everyone who has engaged with our teams and kindly taken the time to respond to our consultations.
Full details of the announcement can be found here:
Next steps for Pathway to 2030

We have recently started localised surveys, assessments and ground investigation works at various locations across the Pathway to 2030 projects which will be used to help gather information to inform the next stage of development for a major electricity transmission network upgrade in the north of Scotland.

Over the coming weeks and months, our project teams and contractors will undertake a series of site-specific assessments which include the likes of ground investigations, bird surveys, LiDAR flights, and ecological and archaeological walkovers and assessments.

Ground investigation works have either recently commenced or are set to begin throughout the Summer for the new 400kV substation and converter stations proposed as part of our Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV connection, Western Isles connection, Beauly – Blackhillock – New Deer – Peterhead 400kV connection and East Coast 400kV phase 2 projects. Project teams and contractors will undertake a series of site-specific assessments which will help provide vital information and key data for the next phase of project development.

Some of the geo-technical ground investigations may involve drilling boreholes or digging trial pits, which will allow engineers to understand the geographical make-up and suitability of the ground in certain locations to help inform potential design options. 

Site assessments and survey works are a key part of the project development process, and the results of these investigations will provide project teams with valuable information to help inform decisions regarding substation site selections and overhead line routes, which will be subject to further consultation later this year.

Initial surveys will prioritise sites and routes which performed the best based on our initial assessment of key environmental and people, technical, and economic factors, and there have been no decisions taken on locations as yet.

There may be more activity on the ground over the summer, and whilst most assessments are expected to cause very little local disruption, we would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst they are carried out. Where more evasive assessments are required such as ground investigation works, we will work to keep local disruption and environmental impacts to a minimum. Please contact your local Community Liaison Manager if you have any questions.

We would like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to attend and respond to our recent public consultation regarding our identified route options and substation locations for the new Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV Connection project.

The in-person consultation events were held between 20^th February and 6^th March at 9 different locations between Halkirk and Beauly and supplemented with an online event. The consultation feedback period was extended by two weeks and closed on 14^th April.

Our proposals received a particularly high level of interest with over 600 online feedback forms received and a large volume of email and letter feedback.

We look forward to engaging further with local communities and stakeholders as we begin detailed analysis on the feedback received and carrying out more targeted engagement to assist with refining proposals. Our next public consultation event is currently scheduled for late 2023.

In the meantime, a Consultation Summary Report and a Frequently Asked Questions document will be published in the coming weeks.

Public consultation feedback period has now closed

We would like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to attend and respond to our public consultation regarding our identified route options and substation locations for the new Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV Connection project.

The in-person consultation events were held between 20^th February and 6^th March at 9 different locations between Halkirk and Beauly and supplemented with an online event. The consultation feedback period was extended by two weeks and closed on 14^th April.

Our proposals received a particularly high level of interest with over 600 online feedback forms received and a large volume of email and letter feedback.

We look forward to engaging further with local communities and stakeholders as we begin detailed analysis on the feedback received and carrying out more targeted engagement to assist with refining proposals, as well as a further consultation event.

A Consultation Summary Report can be found in the Project Documents tab on this webpage.

Beauly area 400kV substation and HVDC converter station Story Map

Enter Virtual Exhibition Room

Join us on Monday 6th March 2023 from 5pm - 7pm for our live Virtual Consultation event.