Highland super-pylon line ‘investigative’ work by Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) continues between Spittal, Beauly and Peterhead prior to Scottish ministers’ project approval
Energy giant SSEN is continuing investigative work along the controversial planned super-pylon route stretching from Caithness to Peterhead through Beauly.
The permitted exploratory work for the 400kV overhead line involves gathering crucial information needed in preparation for full construction work, should planning consent be granted.
The project, a key component of the company’s £20 billion Pathway to 2030 investment in upgrades to the transmission network in the north of Scotland, is said to be critical in delivering Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power targets.
It will enable the connection and transportation of ‘clean’ power from the Highlands to other parts of Great Britain.
Project teams and contractors have been carrying out walkover surveys and ground investigation works for a number of months in order to fully understand the conditions in the area.
EXPLAINED: Why are Highland communities protesting about super-pylons?
The Beauly to Peterhead plan, cutting through Inverness-shire and Moray to Buchan, is one of several onshore 400kV electricity transmission projects proposed by SSEN Transmission.
Like the Beauly to Spittal proposal, it has attracted mass opposition from individuals and community protest groups concerned at a variety of health and environmental impacts.
The Pathway to 2030 programme also includes existing overhead line upgrades and new 400kV substations and HVDC converter stations in many north of Scotland in many locations, with ground investigation activity being undertaken across all projects.
It is being carried out using ‘permitted development’ rights and typically involves the drilling of boreholes and digging of trial pits.
These allow engineers to understand the properties of the soil and rock beneath potential steel tower locations and their ability to support the structures and access tracks.
Tree felling is also required in some instances, allowing safe access for ground investigation to take place, with all intrusive activity being kept to a minimum.
Kirsty McNamara, community liaison manager for the Beauly to Peterhead project, said in a statement echoed for Beauly top Spittal: “Ground investigations are a necessary step in the development of any new infrastructure, and the results will help our teams and contractors to be ready to start construction, should it get the green light.
“As our ground investigation activity continues, local community members can expect to see our teams active on the ground.
“While most of the work is expected to cause very little local disruption, we would like to thank the local community for their patience while the work is carried out.
“Where slightly more intrusive assessments are needed, we will work to keep local disruption and environmental impacts to a minimum.
“As we progress through the works, the SSEN Transmission project team will continue to oversee the work being carried out by various contractors, who also employ ecologists and archaeologists in an extra effort to ensure that work doesn’t have an impact on local wildlife or archaeological assets.”
The activity between Spittal, Beauly and Peterhead will continue throughout the rest of 2025 and into 2026.
Public consultation for the power line and related infrastructure has ended, with the project team working on finalising a planning application to be submitted for consideration by Scottish Ministers later this year.
The same ground investigation work is being carried out for the Beauly to Spittal section, before reaching Buchan.
