SSEN Transmission has welcomed the decision by Scottish Ministers to grant approval for its Section 37 application regarding the Chleansaid Wind Farm connection project.

The granted consent allows for the construction of a new 10.5km single circuit, 132kV overhead line. Utilising wooden trident poles, the line will connect the wind farm situated on the Dalnessie Estate—approximately 13.5km northeast of Lairg—to the existing Dalchork substation.

This infrastructure is designed to transport renewable electricity from the wind farm into the national transmission network, contributing to the energy security and clean energy targets of both Scotland and the UK. To ensure a balanced design, the chosen route was determined following comprehensive biodiversity and environmental assessments aimed at reducing the impact on local land use and habitats.

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With the necessary approvals now in place, construction work is anticipated to commence in autumn 2026.

Dominic Flanagan, SSEN Transmission Programme Director, said: "We're pleased to have secured Section 37 consent from Scottish Ministers, following a detailed development process that has sought to minimise impacts while delivering this important connection. The new single circuit 132kV wooden pole overhead line will enable the efficient transfer of power from the Chleansaid Wind Farm into the Dalchork substation, where it will feed into the wider transmission system serving homes and businesses across Scotland and beyond. We're grateful to everyone who engaged with us throughout development of this project, including those who attended our consultation events. This feedback has been central in shaping our design, and we will continue to work closely with the local community and other stakeholders as the project progresses."