Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is inviting community members and interested stakeholders to a series of open-door events ahead of submitting a consent application to replace the overhead lines and towers that have delivered electricity to the Kintyre Peninsula for 60 years.

The existing steel towers that run from Inveraray to Crossaig are coming to the end of their operational life and SSEN has spent the last 16 months working with the local community, landowners, statutory authorities and specialist consultants to develop proposals to replace the transmission line. The replacement line will provide a more secure supply for local communities, whilst also enabling the connection of renewable energy in the area.

SSEN are hosting events in Inveraray, Ardrishaig, Tarbert, Skipness and Carradale to provide interested parties with the opportunity to review and comment on the preferred alignment of the new infrastructure prior to submitting a consent application to the Scottish Government in early 2018.

SSEN Project Manager Derek Hearns explains more:

"I would like to thank all of those who have taken the time to comment on this project to date. As a responsible developer, we believe that it is important to seek public opinion on our proposals and take that feedback into consideration when developing our projects."

"Over the last 16 months we have been taking into account a balance of factors including feedback from consultations, feedback from directly affected landowners and environmental and engineering assessments."

"For example, our continuing ornithological surveys have identified several species of protected birds such as eagles and divers and this has influenced our alignment choices, particularly where there is a potential for impact on their habitat."

"The events are a drop-in format and I would encourage anyone who can make it along to come in, view our proposals and speak to the project team and take the opportunity to ask us any questions."

Details of the events are as follows:

Tuesday 26 September- Loch Fyne Hotel, Inveraray

Wednesday 27 September- Ardrishaig Public Hall

Thursday 28 September - Tarbert Village Hall

Tuesday 3 October - Skipness Village Hall

Wednesday 4 October- Carradale Village Hall

All of the events take place between 2pm - 7pm.