Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission has confirmed it is to strengthen the transmission network on Kintyre.

The Kintyre to Hunterston Connection will reinforce the 132kV transmission network on Kintyre, by providing a new 132kV connection between Carradale Substation and the new Crossaig substation. The project has provided both employment and opportunities for the local community.

Construction work started at the Crossaig substation in August 2013, and the first six towers – out of 50 – have been erected in the last few weeks, SHE Transmission has said.

Amec Group Ltd is constructing the 13km of overhead lines for the project, and David Allcock, Project Manager of the company, said: "It's great to see the first towers being erected and it is testament to the hard work and commitment shown by everyone involved in the project.

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"We are busy progressing with the construction and erection of the rest of the towers and are on schedule for them all to be erected by the end of this calendar year."

Also welcoming the project's progress, Andrew Malkin, Project Director, SHE Transmission, said: "The assets we are developing will be around for decades and we recognise that we must build strong, long-term relationships with our local communities.

"It is for this reason that we have employed local businesses wherever possible and have been engaging proactively with the local community from the earliest stages of development via one-on-one visits with residents, school visits to the substation and a strong relationship with the local authorities, services and community councils."

Eleanor Sloan, Secretary of East Kintyre Community Council (EKCC), added: "We welcome all the new projects to our area and it is exciting to see the changes that are happening, and although there are times when these changes can be stressful for us and our daily routines, on the whole we are a community behind this project.

"It has been an added bonus for us to see works being carried out by SHE Transmission to help to improve our village. This has been much appreciated by the whole community and we hope they are all enjoying themselves in Kintyre as much as we do."

(JP/IT)