OREANDA-NEWS. October 27, 2015. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) is thanking the people of the Ardross community for the part they have been playing in its ongoing consultations on proposals to reinforce the network from Beauly to Loch Buidhe.

The most recent consultation event – held at Ardross Community Hall – was a reflection on their support as the local community came along to chat to the SHE Transmission team and view the display boards that show an alternative route for the corridor which will take the proposed new 275kV line away from the community and primary school; routing it to the northwest avoiding the village.  This proposed route also allows for a reduced visual impact  for the connection into the new substation at Fryish.

Mark Baxter, Project Development Manager for SHE Transmission, said: "This corridor will be surveyed over the coming months, along with the other routes, and we will be carrying out further public consultation events with the communities in early 2016.  

“We know how important it is to gain the feedback of those living and working in the area so it really matters to us that these events are well attended and that people get to ask the questions that really matter to them.”

The area between Beauly and Shin is currently served by a double circuit 132 kV overhead line built in 1954. It stretches approximately 67 km in length between Beauly Substation and Shin Substation and will be dismantled once the new line has been built.

Lisa Marchi-Grey, Communications Manager for SHE Transmission, added: "We would like to thank everyone who took the time to come along to the events. We were delighted with the public engagement and will make sure we continue to provide updates about what we are doing.

"The closing date for comments is Friday 9 November 2015 and we would encourage anyone who did not make it along to the events to let us know their thoughts.”

The information boards and comment forms from the events can be found on the dedicated project website: www.ssepd.co.uk/BeaulyLochBuidhe.