SSE has been ordered to tackle a noise problem at a substation constructed as part of the Beauly to Denny power line upgrade.

It was served with a noise abatement notice by the Highland Council following an increase of complaints about a low-frequency hum emanating from the site.

In a statement, the energy firm said was taking the matter "extremely seriously" and was "disappointed" by the Council's action.

It said that it had been working with the Environmental Health Department at the Highland Council, as well as the local community since the issue was reported in July 2013. Among the work undertaken since that time includes the appointment of expert consultants; extensive noise monitoring at, and around, the substation; and the assessment of noise monitoring data and the establishment of a noise map to identify the causes of the increased noise.


A Community Liaison Group was also established to provide regular updates with the community, and following analysis of the monitoring data, proposals were put forward to install specially designed acoustic barriers at the substation, with a contractor appointed to carry out the work required at the substation.

Work to install the barriers will commence this month, but the programme for delivery is dependent on whether SHE Transmission has to seek permission from National Grid to switch off some equipment in order to allow work to be carried out safely.

Alastair Brand, Beauly Denny Project Director, said: "We are taking this matter extremely seriously and are disappointed that the Highland Council has felt it necessary to serve a noise abatement notice as we have been working closely with the Council and the local community to address their concerns.

"We have made a significant amount of progress and there is now a programme in place to resolve the issue.

"This is a complex technical issue and it takes time to design the correct solutions and procure the appropriate equipment in order to deliver the most effective solution."

(JP/CD)