SP Energy Networks has announced significant changes to its proposed Cross Border Connection project following feedback from residents in the Scottish Borders. The project, which involves constructing a new power line from Gala North to the Scotland-England border near Newcastleton, has been revised to address community concerns.

Following an initial consultation last year, SP Energy Networks has altered the route, extending its overall length and shifting it further west. This change aims to reduce the project's impact, particularly on areas like The Swires. A section near Craik will now run through commercial forestry to minimiz

e visual impact, and the route will bypass Penchrise Penn and Stobs Camp by heading east towards Dodburn.

The route will then turn south, moving further away from Hermitage Castle and running east of Newcastleton before reaching the border. Community concerns centered on potential impacts to properties, tourism, heritage, and the environment.

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Ewan Borthwick, Senior Project Manager at SP Energy Networks, said, “We are grateful to everyone who engaged with us during our first consultation on this project at the end of last year. We have taken this feedback onboard and made changes to our plans that we now want to discuss with residents in the Borders. The electricity network in Great Britain is ageeing and will soon no longer be able to provide the resilient and reliant network we need as we move towards an all-electric, green future. The Cross Border Connection project is part of the biggest rewiring of the electricity grid since it was first built. Delivering this project will strengthen energy security and help increase the resilience of the electricity network all across the country.”

SP Energy Networks is launching a new round of consultation to discuss the revised plans. Thousands of leaflets with feedback forms are being distributed to local residents, and community drop-in events will be held at the following locations:

3-7pm Wednesday 26th March, Yarrow Feus Hall

3-7pm Thursday 27th March, Kirkhope Parish Hall, Ettrickbridge

3-7pm Monday 31st March, Newcastleton Village Hall

3-7pm Tuesday 1st April, Teviothead Village Hall

3-7pm Wednesday 2nd April, Forman Memorial Hall, Roberton

The consultation period will run from 24 March to 2 May 2025.

The project is a joint effort between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). SP Energy Networks is responsible for the Scottish section, while NGET is handling the English portion. The two companies are coordinating the border crossing. Further information is available on the Cross Border Connection webpages.