DUNOON’S electricity infrastructure is set for a major upgrade following official approval from the Scottish Government, but some locals are strongly opposed to the development.
The major project will replace ageing kit–some dating back to the 1970’s–on a double-circuit line running roughly 18km from Dunoon Substation to just west of the Loch Long crossing.
Seventy seven new steel towers will be installed, which will range from 23m to 39m high, typically 230m apart.
Once the new line is live, the old 132kV line will be dismantled and removed.
SSEN says the works will boost energy security, improve resilience in bad weather, and support Scotland’s clean power targets.
Back in 2022 concerns were raised by locals as the original route for the powerline underwent changes and due to the COVID pandemic notification of the changes were only available online.
During the consultation process of the plan some residents felt there had been a lack of community engagement about the development and felt that their comments and suggestions had been flatly ignored.
At the time one local resident told this newspaper about the impact the pylons would have on her. She said: “We would potentially have massive powerlines less than 200 metres from our house. We have no idea of the size, or any potential health complications.We’ve been in communications with SSE, we’ve asked them questions but we don’t get any answers. We’ve asked about the possibility of the lines going underground but it seems they are considering one route and one route only. If that goes up it’s going to have a big impact, how many residents even know about this?”
Other residents at Ballochyle, some of whom will have the line passing within 150 metres of their properties – were also concerned about the proposals.
A Ballochyle resident told this newspaper this week that the plan’s approval was sickening. She said: “They never gave us a Plan B, with an option to run this powerline underground. For us at least this will change our home forever. It’s going to be horrific.”
The ability for residents to effectively voice concerns about the plan were made even more difficult following the dissolution of Sandbank Community Council at the end of 2022.
SSEN has stated that the rebuild is designed to future-proof supply, reduce fault risk, and provide capacity for a more electrified, low-carbon economy–from heat pumps to EVs.
Construction sequencing and traffic management plans will follow in due course. SSEN says it will engage with the community on access routes, temporary track works and any short-term disruption while towers are erected and conductor strings are installed.
Environmental safeguards, including working windows and habitat protection, will be part of the construction programme.
Laura McWilliams, Project Director at SSEN Transmission, said: “This is a welcome step forward for our transmission network locally and throughout our network area in Scotland. The Section 37 consent from the Scottish Government for our Dunoon project reflects SSEN Transmissions commitment to delivering a modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible transmission network that will enhance local network resilience, replace aging electrical infrastructure, and help us reach clean power and energy security goals.”
She added: “As we now move to the delivery phase of the project, we are committed to working constructively with local communities and businesses to minimise and mitigate construction impacts, alongside maximising the economic opportunities this investment will bring.”
For more information, visit: ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/dunoon
