Work is progressing on a electricity transmission network upgrade scheme in Caithness, SSE has announced.

The project, which passed the halfway mark last week, will see a new 275 kilovolt line linking substations at Dounreay, Thurso and Spittal, where the underground and subsea cable to Moray is set to begin its 100 mile journey.

A 132 kilovolt line will also be built to strengthen the existing network to the south, between Spittal and Mybster.

Work to install tower foundations along the full length of the overhead line upgrade has already been completed, along with temporary access tracks required for their construction.

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The assembly of new steel towers is nearly complete between Dounreay and Thurso South, while the 'stringing' of wires is currently underway on this section.

Scaffolded gantries will be used during the stringing process in order to protect road and railway crossings while the conductors (wires) are being pulled on to the new towers.

In addition, two super grid transformers are due to be delivered in three main parts next week before final assembly on site at Scrabster.

SHE Transmission’s Lead Project Manager Ian Clark said the project is a "crucial element" of a wider project to reinforce the Caithness-Moray network.

"It involves construction of a completely new overhead line, as well as the new substation a short distance south of Thurso and an extension at Mybster," he said.

"Our team on site has pulled together and brought us to the half way point on schedule, with everyone from our principal contractor Balfour Beatty down to the smallest subcontractors playing their part.

"The construction of level platform areas at both substation sites is now complete and work to assemble the electrical equipment has commenced in earnest."

(LM/MH)