SSEN Transmission has welcomed Perth and Kinross Councillors’ approval of the Cambushinnie 400kV substation near Braco and a dedicated haul route, a key step in upgrading the Beauly to Denny transmission line and boosting Scotland’s renewable electricity network.

The council's decision clears the way for a major milestone in the planned uprating of the Beauly to Denny overhead line, which will see both circuits operate at 400kV. At present, one circuit runs at 400kV while the other operates at 275kV.

Part of SSEN Transmission's £29bn investment programme to modernise the GB grid, the upgrade aims to ease network bottlenecks, strengthen energy security and help deliver clean, affordable, homegrown electricity for homes and businesses.

The Cambushinnie 400kV outdoor Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) substation will sit immediately to the west of the current Braco West 275kV site. It will connect to the existing overhead line, with an underground cable linking the two substations, enabling increased transmission capacity vital for transporting renewable power generated across Scotland.

Councillors also backed an associated haul track to provide a dedicated construction access, including for large components such as 400kV transformers. Connecting from the A822 and crossing the B8033 before joining the existing access to the site, the route has been designed to minimise disruption by diverting construction traffic away from Braco village. Once in use, no substation construction traffic will pass Braco Primary School.

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The proposals have been shaped through extensive development work and engagement with local communities, landowners and stakeholders. Feedback has helped refine the substation design, landscaping and planting, peatland restoration plans, and measures to improve traffic and pedestrian safety.

A range of mitigation and enhancement measures are included to reduce local impacts and deliver positive outcomes, with ongoing dialogue planned to help ensure the project leaves a lasting community benefit.

Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, said: "We are pleased at Perth and Kinross Councillors decision to approve Cambushinnie 400kV Substation and the associated haul track following Wednesday's Full Council meeting.

"Together, these decisions provide the certainty needed to move forward with a project that is vital to upgrading the Beauly to Denny overhead line and strengthening the electricity transmission network for the future.

"The haul track forms a critical part of our plans to minimise construction impacts on local communities. Once operational, it will route all substation construction traffic, including heavy goods vehicles and deliveries of major equipment, away from Braco village and the school, significantly reducing the number of construction vehicles using local roads during the main construction period. We know how important this has been to local people and we are delighted that a solution is now in place which addresses community concerns and balances technical requirements .

"Investment in the electricity transmission network is about far more than infrastructure. It is supporting jobs, creating long-term economic opportunities, generating community benefit funding, and developing the clean, homegrown energy that is the key to lower energy bills."

Supporting jobs, communities and economic growth

Together, the Cambushinnie substation and haul track contribute to SSEN Transmission's programme to transform the north of Scotland's transmission network by 2030. A report published in June, Re-energising the North: Transforming Scotland, estimates up to 1,500 local jobs will be supported through Perth & Kinross projects and the company's headquarters in Perth. The Cambushinnie project itself will create local employment and supply chain opportunities during construction and operation, alongside more than £500,000 in community benefit funding for the area.

Next steps

Construction timelines for both the haul track and the substation will be confirmed in due course. Work on the substation will begin only once the haul route is completed and available for use.

A dedicated Community Liaison Group (CLG) will be established to provide a clear channel between the project team and local residents throughout construction, sharing updates, discussing planned activities, supporting ongoing engagement and enabling direct feedback.