SP Energy Networks has completed a £19 million upgrade of the 132kV AL Route between Gretna and Chapelcross, reinforcing a key link in southern Scotland's transmission network and delivering significant benefits for local businesses and trainees.

The project refurbished 14.23km of overhead line (28.46km across the double circuit), supported by more than 50 steel towers. It forms part of ScottishPower's long-term programme to maintain and modernise critical electricity infrastructure.

Six local firms were contracted to help deliver the works, providing opportunities across the regional supply chain in vegetation management, civils, haulage, foundations and environmental services:

- CL Drainage & Fencing (Lanark) and Mackay Development Services Ltd (Annan) – vegetation clearance and fencing

- Connicks (Newton Stewart) – environmental consultancy

- F Sheckley Haulage (Gretna)

- Maxwells Construction and Civils Limited (Castle Douglas) and Foundation Solutions HV (New Cumnock) – civils, haulage and foundation works

In total, 11 trainees began their careers through the scheme — one with SP Energy Networks and ten with Bathgate-based principal contractor Aureos, which also drew on a network of local companies and recruited locally to support delivery.

Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "We're proud that much of the activity associated with this project has supported local businesses and create opportunities for trainees setting out on their careers in energy. It has directly benefited contractors and communities from across the region; supported local jobs and economic growth while delivering infrastructure that will serve customers for many years to come."

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Chris Stones, Environmental Advisor from Connicks, who is from Dumfries, said: "Connicks is a company based here in Dumfries and Galloway and contracts like this are invaluable. They help to provide stability and allow us to invest in our team, creating opportunities for trainees to work on large scale energy infrastructure projects and gain valuable experience and skills."

As principal contractor, Aureos said the programme provided visibility of work and long-term stability across the supply chain. Andy Stewart, Project Engineer with Aureos, said: "Projects like this give long-term job security. We know as engineers that once we finish one job we are straight onto the next, sometimes working on more than one at once. Having sight of that pipeline of work is hugely important for long-term business stability throughout the supply chain.

"On this project in particular we were able to develop strong local relationships through the engagement of a local contractor who established a yard in Eaglesfield near Annan - that really helps in terms of the local community, they know the outfits that are working here and the standard of work is very high."

Scott Mills, Regional Manager, Transmission, at Aureos, said: "As principal contractor, one of Aureos' roles is to bring together the specialist supply chain capability needed to deliver critical infrastructure safely, efficiently and to the highest standard for SP Energy Networks.

"This project is a great example of how this can be done locally and how investment in the transmission network can create value beyond the asset itself, supporting businesses in southern Scotland, developing skills and helping build the capacity needed for the UK's future energy system.

"As part of this project, ten trainees from the local area were able to take their first career steps in the energy industry with Aureos along with another one from SP Energy Networks which helps nurture the next generation of engineers."

Originally built in 1958, the route underwent detailed tower condition assessments, maintenance, foundation upgrades and replacement of conductors and insulators to secure the line's long-term reliability and resilience.

Sustainability measures included planting three native trees for every tree or shrub removed, enhancing biodiversity and supporting habitat regeneration. Materials were reused wherever possible: aggregate from temporary working platforms was taken up by local landowners, and approximately 600 tonnes of stone was transferred to repair and improve an existing track, keeping valuable resources in productive use.

SP Energy Networks worked closely with landowners and other stakeholders throughout to manage access and minimise disruption. The completed refurbishment supports a safe, secure and reliable electricity supply and contributes to the transition to a net zero future, aligning with SP Energy Networks' wider investment programme, including £12bn Transmission Network plans under RIIO-T3.