SSEN Transmission has submitted appeals to the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) after Angus Council, Aberdeenshire Council and the Highland Council refused consent for its proposed 400kV substations at Emmock, Carnaig, Hurlie and Fanellan.

The company says the substations are key to a wider programme to strengthen the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland and Great Britain, enabling the connection and movement of domestically generated renewable electricity to bolster energy security and meet clean power ambitions.

In each case, the refusals ran counter to recommendations from the councils' own planning officers, and no objections were raised by key statutory agencies.

Taken together, the four projects form part of a single strategic investment in new and upgraded transmission infrastructure to accommodate growing renewable generation in the north of Scotland and deliver that power to homes and businesses across Great Britain.

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Commenting on the submission of the appeals, Alison Hall, Director of Development at SSEN Transmission, said: "Upgrading the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland is essential if Scotland and the UK are to deliver on our energy security and clean power ambitions. The proposed Emmock, Carnaig, Hurlie and Fanellan substations have been carefully designed to help meet that need.

"Our planning applications are informed by extensive development work, detailed technical assessment and thorough engagement with key stakeholders, including local communities.

"In addition to supporting clean, affordable power, these projects would deliver wider economic benefits, supporting jobs and local businesses during construction and helping to underpin longer‑term investment and economic growth.

"We strongly believe that we have developed robust and policy‑compliant proposals. Submitting these appeals will allow the merits of the projects to be fully and fairly considered, and we remain committed to engaging constructively with local communities and stakeholders throughout the appeals process."

While the appeals progress, SSEN Transmission will continue permitted pre‑construction ground investigation works and surveys at the proposed sites to improve understanding of ground conditions and site features, informing detailed design and construction planning should consent ultimately be granted.