Power giant SSE urged to drop school site from new transformer options
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
POWER giant SSE has come under fire for pinpointing a potential site for a massive new sub-station right next door to a primary school.
SSE need to build four replacement transformers in the Kilmorack area to replace ageing equipment, and have scoped four potential sites for each.
One site which is causing most concern locally is right next door to Teanassie Primary School.
Local residents are now urging SSE to pause until they include them in selecting the possible sites away from both the school and local residences.
There is already a small sub-station and pylon beside Teanassie Primary, but the proposed replacement would be more than 60 times bigger.
One Teanassie resident said: “Of SSE’s preferred sites two are on very steep hills above Teanassie School while a third would sit right up against the school’s playing fields, effectively siting a large industrial complex complete with high metal security fencing alongside an idyllic country primary.”
Kilmorack Community Council (KCC) is urging SSE to take local knowledge into account.
Chairman Steve Byford said: “We have to get together with SSE and come up with some alternative to the school location.
“What SSE do is come up with a few options then go out to public consultation.
“We consider this one to be too close to the school and too close to residents.
“We would prefer to have a say in the potential sites they are choosing.”
SSEN Transmission said it had been working with the Beauly Community Liaison Group and other stakeholders to keep them informed.
A spokesman added: “We continue to assess potential locations for the replacement of four ageing transformers which are essential to support the the transmission network of four hydroelectric power stations in area.
“Once we have identified suitable locations for the replacement transformers, we will undertake a period of public consultation to seek the views of the local community and wider stakeholders, which we expect will take place in late summer.
“As a responsible developer, we are committed to work constructively with all stakeholders as part of the continued development of the electricity transmission network, factoring in stakeholder feedback where possible.
“We look forward to engaging with the local community as part of the development of this project later this year.”
The four hydroelectric power stations in the Beauly area are located at Deanie, Culligran, Kilmorack and Aigas.
