As part of its project to upgrade the transmission network between Knocknagael and Tomatin, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) will be taking delivery of two transformers at its newly constructed Tomatin substation this week.

Due to the weight of the transformers and the length of the delivery vehicle train they will be carried on (85m), each transformer will be delivered to site on separate days during the week under the supervision of Police Scotland.

The route for each delivery will be the same, and has been agreed with Police Scotland, BEAR Scotland and The Highland Council's Highways Department.

The first of the deliveries will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 18 September, with the second scheduled for later in the week.

Delivery Route

  • East from Inverness Harbour Trust, Port of Inverness
  • Along Longman Drive and Stadium Road to the A9
  • South on the A9 to the Raigmore Interchange
  • Leaving the A9 to the Raigmore Interchange and back onto the A9
  • South on the A9 to the Tomatin Substation construction access road (north of Moy)

SSEN Project Manager, Simon Robertson, said: "These two transformers are an integral part of our new substation at Tomatin which, in turn, will help meet the demand for more connections to SSEN's transmission network from renewable generation, and continue the transition to a low carbon economy. As a responsible developer, the transportation of these transformers has been part of our planning process from the very beginning of this project, as we want to make sure that the deliveries cause the minimum amount of disruption possible."

"From consultation with the Statutory Authorities, the transformers will be transported out-with the times of rush hour traffic to minimise disruption. However, we realise that on the two days that the deliveries are taking place, traffic will slow down temporarily on certain sections of the route. I'd like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and thank everyone for their patience as our teams go about their work."

The first transformer will be delivered on Tuesday 18 September, and details of the second delivery will be posted on SSEN's facebook and Twitter sites when confirmed.