Skye Reinforcement Project
ASH successfully supported and helped SSEN Transmission acheive consent for a major reinforcement of the 132 kV transmission network between Ardmore and Fort Augustus, securing future energy supply and enabling renewable energy connections on Skye.
EIA and LVIA support for transmission upgrade serving the Isle of Skye
Transmission
EIA
LVIA
Challenge
To ensure long-term energy security for the Isle of Skye and the Western Isles, the Skye Reinforcement Project involved replacing the ageing 132 kV overhead transmission line, requiring a comprehensive routeing process and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to navigate its sensitive environments and landscape.
Strategy
ASH Design & Assessment worked closely with technical partners and statutory consultees to identify potential impacts and ensure the routeing and design of the project mitigated these impacts where possible.
Results
Following the submission of an EIA Report, consent was secured for the project in June 2025. Construction of the OHL is due to commence in full in 2026. Once operational, the existing 132 kV line will be decommissioned.
Project Context
The existing 132 kV overhead transmission line between Fort Augustus and Ardmore is the sole connection linking Skye and the Western Isles to the mainland grid. Built between the 1950s and 1980s, this infrastructure is reaching the end of its operational life. The Skye Reinforcement Project will replace the line with upgraded capacity to accommodate new renewable energy developments and safeguard long-term energy security for the region.
Our Brief
ASH design + assessment was commissioned to lead environmental planning and assessment for the project, with a scope spanning routeing and alignment, EIA and LVIA, visualisations, consultee engagement, and post-submission support.
Our role included delivering key technical outputs, including routeing stage consultation documents, Scoping Report, EIA Report, photomontages, and two rounds of Additional Information. Throughout this process, ASH provided expert environmental advice and project management to steer a complex project through routeing, design, EIA and consent.
Our Approach
Initiating the EIA process and defining scope
Began work in 2016, looking at strategic alternatives, including the completion of routeing and alignment studies.
Following identification of a preferred alignment and design solution, produced a Scoping Report to define key issues to be addressed in the subsequent EIA Report.
Scoped in potential impacts relevant to the sensitive Highland environment, through early engagement and agreement with key stakeholders.
Comprehensive assessment and design iteration
Project manged the EIA process as lead EIA consultants, coordinating inputs across technical and environmental disciplines.
Delivered the full EIA Report in September 2022, supported by LVIA, photomontages, and detailed design advice.
Chaired regular design workshops through the routeing and EIA stages to help achieve the most suitable design in a highly sensitive area.
Managed project-wide coordination between environmental specialists and engineering teams to keep assessment and design aligned.
Collaborative approach and holistic evaluation
Supported SSEN Transmission at public exhibition events, engaging with communities and responding to feedback.
Liaised with statutory consultees throughout routeing and EIA process to ensure a full understanding of key environmental and technical issues.
Provided post-submission support, including advice on the discharge of planning conditions.
The Outcome
The EIA Report was submitted in September 2022. Section 37 consent has since been granted, enabling construction of the main project works to commence in 2026. ASH continues to support SSEN Transmission through the post-consent phase, ensuring environmental considerations are embedded into delivery of this critical project.
Working on a sensitive transmission upgrade in a remote or scenic location?
At ASH, we’re always happy to answer your questions and discuss how our tailored services can support the successful and sustainable development of your project.