A major project to upgrade Scotland's electricity transmission network has moved forward with a formal application for consent.

SSEN Transmission has submitted a Section 37 application to Scottish Ministers for the proposed Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly 400kV overhead line, allowing people the opportunity to provide feedback to the Scottish Government.

The project is a key part of plans to support clean power and energy security ambitions. If consented, it is expected to deliver significant local and national economic benefits, including around £35 million of community benefit funding. The project would also underpin a proposed new operational depot in Caithness, supporting permanent local jobs.

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The public consultation period for the application runs until Sunday, 12 October 2025. The application is available to view on the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) website under reference ECU00006008. A hard copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is also available at various locations, including Highland Council offices in Thurso, Dingwall, and Inverness, as well as community centres in Helmsdale and Strathpeffer.

The application follows a detailed project development process that has been underway since 2022, which included extensive public consultation to inform the final design. Ministers are expected to determine the application within 12 months, in line with the Scottish Government’s new 52-week determination process for priority applications for electricity transmission infrastructure.