Dunoon set to receive 'critical' electricity upgrade

Some of the infrastructure being replaced in Dunoon was originally installed in the 1970s.
- Published
A project to replace aging electricity infrastructure in part of Argyll and Bute has been approved by the Scottish government.
Energy network operator SSEN Transmission said the rebuild project will provide a critical upgrade spanning 18km of the 132kV overhead line between Dunoon and Loch Long.
It also claimed the improvements would serve as a boost to energy security and clean power targets in the area.
Some of the infrastructure being replaced was originally installed in the 1970s and is now nearing the end of its operational life.
Some 77 new steel towers - varying between 23m and 39m tall and at spans of around 230m on average - will be installed as part of the upgrade.
These will enable the installation and operation of about 18km of replacement double-circuit overhead line between Dunoon Substation and west of where the overhead line crosses Loch Long.
Laura McWilliams, the project director at SSEN Transmission, said news of ministerial approval marked "a welcome step forward for our transmission network locally and throughout our network area in Scotland."
She said the company would aim to work with the local community and businesses in the area to mitigate the impact of construction work on residents.
A public consultation on the plans was first held six years ago.
Once the new line is operational, the existing 132kV line will be dismantled and removed.
- Published11 March 2022
- Published29 August 2023