North Coast 500 works delayed after backlash on 80-mile diversion

SSEN plans to shut a three-mile stretch of the A832 - which could force drivers into an 80-mile diversion

A major electricity upgrade in the north-west Highlands has been delayed after locals raised concerns over an 80-mile road diversion during the winter months.

SSEN Transmission is managing plans to bring a renewable energy cable from the Western Isles ashore at Dundonnell but part of the project will involve closing a three-mile stretch of the A832.

Residents launched a petition against the closure – which covers part of the North Coast 500 - over claims it would have a heavily detrimental impact on local services.

SSEN Transmission said the firm would delay the road closure until January 2026 at the earliest and hold sessions with locals in October.

It said further engagement would help shape their revised plans.

The project, which will see renewable power generated in the Western Isles fed into the National Grid, involves running a cable underground between Dundonnell and Beauly.

Lisa Stewart, who lives in nearby Badcaul, said that a road closure would leave the community "worried and anxious" to get to medical appointments.

"This is already a fragile community and isolated and this will make it more so," she said.

Lisa Stewart from Badcaul started a petition against the current plans for the works

"It is going to seriously impact and affect people's ability to go to health appointments, to vet appointments, deliveries, everyday life in general.

"To plan these works during the dark winter months is just ridiculous and while we welcome the encouraging words from the SSEN, what we really need is meaningful, impactful action so that daily life can function and the community is not crippled."

Trish Stevens, owner of the Dundonnell Hotel, said she feared the works would drive away visitors arriving to travel on the NC500 route.

Trish Stevens, who runs the Dundonnell Hotel, said she feared for the future of her business

She said: "It could mean the difference between us actually surviving or not.

"Local people are feeling that they are being ignored, that their viewpoints are being ignored and the notice that we have been given has not been long enough."

SNP MSP Maree Todd said the proposed diversion covered much higher ground, which could be badly affected by the winter conditions.

Prior to the delay of the works, she said SSEN's plans needed a "rethink".

"What is being proposed is really unworkable for the community that is living there," she said.

"The road will only be open three times a day. If people miss that, they have hours to wait before they can use the road.

"They [SSEN] need to listen carefully to the community and see if there is not a better solution than the one they have come up with."

The work involves bringing a renewable energy cable from the Western Isles ashore at Dundonnell

Niall MacLeod, SSEN Transmission project director, said : "We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide their continued feedback to date.

"While we continue to consider alternative solutions to minimise the impact of these essential works, such as single lane closures or night-time working, we would like to reassure the local community and road users that no works will take place in October and will not start until the new year at the earliest.

"Further engagement is planned to help inform our revised plans and we would again like to thank the community for their constructive engagement and feedback, which we have taken on board."