Local residents of Keith received an update from SHE Transmission recently on the progress being made to extend Blackhillock substation which will allow renewable generation to connect to the electricity network.
Site clearance work began at the site last week and SHE Transmission was keen to give local residents the opportunity to learn more about the progress being made and ask questions. Information at the event included exhibition boards on the project and a fly-through visualisation video of what the substation will look like when it is complete.
Charlie Lawson, Vice Chair of the Keith Community Council found the event particularly enjoyable, he said: "I would like to give SHE Transmission 10 out of 10 for this event and I do not give that lightly. I was born and bred in Keith and am passionate about the area.
"It was great to be told about what is going on and the format of the event was perfect. It was refreshing to be welcomed by friendly faces who had taken the time to speak to us local people about what is a huge project and boost for Keith."
All feedback forms received following the event also indicated that it was a success with attendees stating that they found it very helpful and enabled them to better understand the need for the Blackhillock substation extension.
Gary Callaghan, Project Manager, SHE Transmission said: "We are at a very exciting stage in the project and know how important it is to keep the community up-to-date with what we are doing. We were delighted with the positive responses received by everyone who attended and will make sure we continue to provide updates about what we are doing throughout the duration of the project."
The substation was granted consent by the Moray Council in October 2012. Site compound clearance works have begun and road improvement works are due to commence within the next couple of weeks. Construction of the main substation compound is due to start this September and the site is due to be fully commissioned and operational by Spring 2019.
Copies of the exhibition boards and the visualisation video can be found on the dedicated website www.ssepd.co.uk/Blackhillock.