Perth and Kinross Council has approved SSEN Transmission's plans for a new 400kV substation at Cambushinnie in Perthshire, a pivotal component of the Beauly to Denny overhead line upgrade to increase capacity for clean power.

The decision paves the way for an outdoor 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) substation to be built immediately west of the existing Braco West 275kV site, connecting into the current overhead line. The scheme is designed to enable the transfer of more high‑voltage, home‑grown renewable electricity to homes and businesses across the UK, supporting Scotland's and the UK's clean power and energy security goals.

Consent follows more than two years of development work and extensive engagement with local communities and stakeholders. The project includes measures for peatland restoration, a biodiversity net gain, and landscaping and planting in response to feedback.

The substation forms part of SSEN Transmission's £22bn+ programme to modernise and expand the electricity network across the north of Scotland. The need for the project has been independently assessed and approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and Ofgem.

A separate planning application has been lodged for a haul track from the A822 intersecting the B8033 to deliver the 400kV transformers and manage all construction traffic, reducing impacts on Braco village. No work on the substation will begin until the haul track is complete.

The development is expected to bring significant local benefits, including jobs and supply chain opportunities, alongside more than £500,000 in community benefit funding. Subject to the haul track's completion, construction of the Cambushinnie 400kV substation is anticipated to start later next year.

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Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, said: "We're pleased with today's decision, which represents another step towards delivering Scotland and the UK's clean energy and energy security ambitions.Investing in the electricity transmission network is also a key driver of jobs and economic growth, and the Cambushinnie 400kV substation is among several clean energy projects creating new roles within SSEN Transmission and across our supply chain, while generating substantial community benefit funding and other legacy opportunities. As a key element of our proposals to upgrade the Beauly to Denny overhead line from 275kV to 400kV operation, the Cambushinnie 400kV substation will play an important role in helping build a cleaner, more secure, and affordable electricity system for generations to come."

Rebecca Simister, Senior Development Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: "Today's decision is the culmination of a detailed development process where we have sought to achieve the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective, while listening closely to the views of the local community. We would like to thank all those who contributed to our consultation events, which were key in helping shape proposals for the substation. We're also grateful for the feedback we've had over our haul track plans, which are subject to a separate planning application. We will continue to engage constructively with the local community throughout the lifetime of this project, as we fulfil our commitment to being a good neighbour and delivering a positive legacy."

The Cambushinnie substation sits within plans to invest at least £22bn to March 2031, potentially rising to £31.7bn—one of Scotland's largest private investment programmes. Independent analysis peer‑reviewed by BiGGAR Economics estimates the full programme could support up to 17,500 jobs in Scotland (including 8,400 in the north) and add up to £7bn to the economy, with £3bn in the north alone. In Perthshire, Danish cable manufacturer NKT is expanding its office presence in Perth to support delivery of major transmission projects.

Reflecting the network's expansion, SSEN Transmission's workforce has grown from around 400 in 2019 to more than 2,500 today, with around 600 new roles planned in 2025/26. At its Perth headquarters, staff numbers have increased from 485 in 2023 to over 700.

In line with UK Government guidance on community benefit for new transmission infrastructure, over £100m of community funding is expected across the north of Scotland. In Perth and Kinross, local groups have already received more than £129,000 through the East Coast Local Community Benefit Fund, supporting projects that enhance health, wellbeing and community engagement.