Construction on the Banniskirk Hub, a significant new clean energy project in the Spittal area of Caithness, is expected to commence early next year after Highland Council’s North Planning Applications Committee granted consent.

This decision, which follows over two years of community engagement by SSEN Transmission, paves the way for a major infrastructure build that will connect vital renewable energy sources to the national grid.

The construction works will involve the creation of a new outdoor 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) substation and a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station. This facility will be essential for enabling the transfer of offshore renewable energy via the approved Spittal–Peterhead subsea cable link to demand centres across the country.

The Banniskirk Hub will connect to the proposed 400kV overhead line between Spittal and Beauly, and the existing Spittal 275kV Substation. Crucially, the final planning consent for the Hub, combined with the recent approval of the marine licence, means all permissions are now in place for the construction of the entire Spittal-Peterhead subsea link to begin.

-- Advertisement --

Economic and Local Construction Benefits

The Hub forms a key element of Perth-headquartered SSEN Transmission’s broader £22 billion (twenty-two billion pounds) investment programme, which is targeted at transforming the electricity network across the north of Scotland.

Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, welcomed the news, stating: "We’re pleased with today’s decision, which represents a significant step forward in supporting Scotland and the UK’s clean energy ambitions. Investing in the electricity transmission network is a key driver of jobs and economic growth, and we are already seeing the positive impact delivered by the Banniskirk Hub in the Caithness area."

The project is already generating substantial benefits for the local construction supply chain and workforce, including:

• The opening of a new office in Thurso by engineering and infrastructure company Murphy, creating up to 50 new skilled roles to complement the 80 existing employees in Alness.

• Awarding key contracts to Caithness-based John Gunn & Sons for the construction of the onshore cable sections at Spittal for the connecting subsea cable.

• Plans for a new operational depot in the Caithness area, which will support 20 permanent roles, contributing to the long-term local economy.

The wider SSEN Transmission investment is forecast to support up to 17,500 jobs across Scotland and add up to £7bn to the Scottish economy. Through its housing legacy commitments, the company also expects to support the development of 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland, with £200m (two hundred million pounds) alone committed to spending on roads and bridges.