Open day for controversial substation proposed near Laggan
A controversial power line connecting the planned Stronelairg wind farm to Badenoch’s proposed Garva Bridge substation could go underground, according to the development team.
SSE, the energy giants behind the plan, confirmed earlier this week to the "Strathy" that this was their intention.
They also pledged that they would keep to a minimum the visual impact of the substation although could not rule out that it would be visible from the historic Corrieyairack Pass, a popular route with cross-country walkers.
SSE’s networks communication manager, Neil Anderson, and design project manager, Joyce Wilson, outlined the scheme and said that undergrounding would best mitigate the impact of the substation and the power line.
"All options remain open at this very early stage," said Mr Anderson, as he presented the first images of the substation.
The company have already held one exploratory drop-in day at Laggan Village Hall in October, last year.
They will be holding a second round of public consultation exhibitions there next Thursday (February 12) from 2pm to 7.30pm to provide interested parties with an opportunity to learn more about the project.
Members of the project team will help answer questions and receive initial comments and feedback. The public consultation period following the event will be open for eight weeks until April 10.
Mr Anderson said: "We will explore all practical options whilst considering how to provide connections for new customers to achieve a balanced solution.
"Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing.
"This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
"If our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible."
SSE have confirmed that if the Stronelairg development with 67 turbines was not built - it is subject to a legal challenge - then there would be no need for a substation.
However, as things stand they said they were legally obliged to facilitate a connection to the National Grid when requested by the developer.
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