Taynuilt - Creag Dhubh Reinforcement

Overhead Line Routeing Consultation Event

We are pleased to be holding an overhead line (OHL) routeing public consultation events to gain views and feedback on our routeing options for our Taynuilt 275kV and Nant 132kV OHLs that are part of the Taynuilt - Creag Dhubh Reinforcement Project.

The consultation events will be taking place on:

Wednesday 11 March 2026, 2–7pm
Taynuilt Village Hall, B845, Taynuilt, PA35 1JH

and

Thursday 12 March 2026, 2–7pm
Portsonachan Village Hall, Portsonachan, PA33 1BJ

During our drop-in events you will be able to view further information about our proposals, meet the team, and ask questions. We encourage all members of the local community and all interested parties to attend the event.

Any comments made to us as the Applicant are not representations to Scottish Ministers as the decision makers. There will be opportunity to make formal representations to Scottish Ministers via the Energy Consents Unit following the submission of the section 37 application.

If you are unable to attend the public event all the material that will be on display will be available to be downloaded on the Project Documents section of the project webpage.

About the Project

As part of our licence obligations, we must invest in our existing assets to maintain network health and condition. In addition, we must ensure that we can provide adequate transmission capacity to facilitate connections to customers in the North of Scotland who wish to connect to, and use, the transmission system.

Therefore, we are progressing plans to reinforce the Taynuilt – Creag Dhubh 132kV overhead line (OHL).

The project comprises two main elements, approximately 12.5km replacement of the Taynuilt to Creag Dhubh 132kV OHL and approximately 4.1km replacement of the Nant 132kV OHL.

The replacement of the Taynuilt to Creag Dhubh 132kV OHL, spanning between Taynuilt substation and Creag Dhubh substation that is currently in construction, will have capacity to run at 275kV. This upgrade is required to increase capacity and future proof the network for renewable energy generation projects as the assets condition of the existing OHL is approaching end of operational capability.

The replacement of the Nant 132kV single circuit OHL, spanning between the Nant substation and hard teeing into the proposed Taynuilt to Creag Dhubh OHL is required due to the assets condition and age reaching end of operational capability.

Additionally, there will be a short extension/tie in from the existing 132kV Fernoch OHL into the proposed Taynuilt to Creag Dhubh OHL.

Why is the Project Required?

The existing Taynuilt–Inveraray and Nant 132 kV overhead lines, commissioned in 1961, were built to historic design standards and incorporate lightweight towers, reduced electrical clearances, and limited lightning protection. These inherent design constraints reduce opportunities for future reinforcement, increase susceptibility to faults, and limit the network’s capability to support future generation connections.

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.