Two major electricity transmission projects are currently being advanced by SSEN Transmission. Both are classed as priority applications under the Electricity Act 1989, meaning decisions will move quickly and consultations have fixed deadlines.
- Beauly to Peterhead 400kV Overhead Line (OHL)
SSEN intends to submit an application by 6 October 2025 for a new 400kV line stretching from Beauly to Peterhead, via Blackhillock and New Deer.
- Scale: New steel lattice towers, up to 70m high, carrying 400kV circuits across the north-east.
- Local impact: For our area, towers may be visible in views east from Inverness across Strathnairn, around East Daviot, and towards Culloden Battlefield. This raises concerns about the setting of the battlefield and the character of our rural landscapes.
- Next steps: Once submitted and validated by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU), the application will be advertised in the press and local venues. Members of the public will then be able to comment.
- Spittal to Loch Buidhe to Beauly 400kV Overhead Line
A second application, already submitted on 14 August 2025 and validated on 3 September 2025, proposes a 191 km 400kV line between Banniskirk (Spittal) and Beauly, via a new substation at Carnaig near Loch Buidhe. https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/SLBB
- Scope: Includes permanent and temporary diversion of existing 132kV and 275kV lines, plus new access tracks, road upgrades, bellmouths, and vegetation clearance.
- Cumulative effect: Together with the Beauly–Peterhead project, this could result in multiple high-voltage lines converging around Beauly and stretching across the Highlands, increasing the visual and environmental impact.
- Consultation: Public consultation runs until 6 October 2025. Documents can be viewed online at www.energyconsents.scot (search reference ECU00006008) or at ssen-transmission.co.uk/SLBB. Responses should be sent to Econsents_Admin@gov.scot.
What This Means for Our Community
- Views and heritage: Both projects may affect iconic views from Culloden Battlefield and the surrounding countryside, as well as the character of Strathnairn and East Daviot.
- Construction impacts: Access works and line diversions could cause disruption to roads, farms and forestry.
- Decision process: These are major national infrastructure projects. If a public inquiry is required, it would likely begin in April 2026.
Have Your Say
The Community Council will continue to monitor developments and share updates. Residents are encouraged to:
- View the official consultation maps and visualisations online via SSEN’s project portals.
- Submit comments before the consultation deadlines.
- Share concerns about heritage, views, and local environment so these are formally considered by Scottish Ministers.
Submitting Representations
Any representations in respect of the application can be submitted via;
- the Energy Consents Unit website at www.energyconsents.scot/Register.aspx;
- by email to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit mailbox at representations@gov.scot
- by post to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th 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 must be sent directly to the ECU and should not be sent to SSEN Transmission.