Construction and engineering firm Murphy is rapidly expanding its operational base in the Highlands to prepare for the delivery of major electricity infrastructure projects for SSEN Transmission.

These projects are proceeding under Ofgem’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) Framework, which sees SSEN Transmission planning to invest over twenty-two billion pounds (£22bn) in new and upgraded infrastructure across the north of Scotland.

The expansion was highlighted this week (Wednesday, 19 November 2025) as Murphy hosted an open day for local stakeholders at their ASTI Hub South office in Fyrish House, Alness.

The Alness hub is dedicated to supporting the construction of major schemes, including the proposed Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV overhead line project and the Carnaig 400kV substation. The Fyrish House site has already seen significant investment in the local supply chain, transforming a previously vacant building into a vibrant project centre. This includes the recent opening of a dedicated training facility.

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The office has grown dramatically from just six staff members upon its opening in late 2023 to now hosting 80 team members. Plans are in place to exceed 100 roles next year, should the associated projects proceed through the planning process. This is part of a wider regional ambition to deliver 1,000 jobs across the Highlands at the peak of the ASTI Framework in 2028.

Liam Corr, Energy Managing Director at Murphy, said: "This ASTI Hub South, alongside our ASTI Hub North in Thurso which we officially opened last month, reflects our ongoing investment in people, infrastructure, and local partnerships... Together, we hope these facilities will form a strategic backbone for project delivery and support us in this first phase of recruitment."

Kevin Smith, Programme Director for Onshore at SSEN Transmission, emphasised the local economic benefits: "The benefits that come with our projects include over £1 billion in expected contracts for Highland businesses, and we are committed to working in partnership with communities to maximise the local opportunities associated with our investment programme."