Four transformers that will play a vital role in the north of Scotland's future electricity network are set to make the final stage of their journey to Spittal substation, Achanarras, over the coming weeks.

The transformers, which each weigh approximately 170 tonnes, have been delivered by sea from Sweden to Port of Scrabster where they are due to be loaded on to multi-axel trailers by specialist haulier Allelys, working on behalf of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and its lead contractor ABB.

The transformers will be delivered to site during a complex and timely operation which will be under the guidance and supervision of Police Scotland. To ensure the delivery is made safely, and with the minimum of disruption, traffic management systems will be in place with police escorts where necessary.

The four deliveries are programmed to be undertaken on 16 May, 21 May, 31 May and 5 June. The deliveries are due to leave Port of Scrabster at 09:30 and are not expected to stop until they safely reach Spittal Substation.

Delivery Route

  • Leave Port of Scrabster heading south on the A9
  • Turn left at the junction with the A836 continuing south on the A9 towards Thurso along Smith Terrace
  • Turning right onto Traill St (A9 South)
  • Turning left onto Sir Georges St(A9 South) continuing over the bridge over the river Thurso.
  • Follow the A9 south turning right onto the A9 south at the Georgemass Junction.
  • Follow the A9 south for approximately 4miles turning right into the HVDC Convertor station at Spittal.

SSEN project manager Brian Wilson said: "Every stage in the journey of these transformers has been carefully planned, going back to the earliest stages of developing plans for the new substation. Once they arrive and are installed on site, they are expected to play a key role in the network for decades to come."

"Our team will be working alongside our specialist haulier, the roads authorities and the police to make sure each delivery can be completed smoothly, safely and with minimum disruption to other traffic."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while construction work and local road improvements have been progressing."

Spittal is a new electricity convertor station and is part of the £1.1bn Caithness-Moray project which represents the largest investment in the north of Scotland's electricity network since the hydro development era of the 1950s and is the largest capital investment project undertaken by the SSE Group to date. It is also the largest Living Wage contract ever awarded in the UK, demonstrating SSEN's strong commitment to ensure all employees working on its sites get a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.

The provided timings are subject to change at short notice due to the complexities of the operation. Every effort will be made to keep the road closures and delivery timetable to a minimum.