SHE Completes Overhead Line Refurb

A £94 million project to refurbish a 275kV overhead line has been completed by the Scottish Hydro Electric Transmissions (SHE Transmission).

The 157km line was built in the 1960's and runs on the main west to east transmission route from Beauly via Blackhillock to Kintore.

Supported by 476 towers, the completion of this project has allowed for an 85% increase in the capacity of the overhead line route.


Restringing and refurbishment of the line began in 2010 and at the peak of works the project employed 82 people.

SHE Transmission Project Manager Simon Robertson said: "In a number of locations it was necessary to temporarily divert the circuits away from the overhead line route onto new towers in order for the works to be carried out safely, all the while maintaining the transfer of power on the system. On completion of the works the line was returned to the original towers."

During the five year works the Knocknagael substation was commissioned onto the grid and connection to two wind farms were made - Berryburn in 2013 and Clashindarroch the following year.

(LM/CD)