Balfour Beatty has been awarded a £290m contract from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Ltd to replace the power line between Beauly and Wharry Burn.

The work includes the design and installation of a 200km double circuit 400kV overhead electricity transmission line and associated civil and access works.

The plans are to replace the existing 132kV overhead transmission line that will be disassembled during the contract period including reinstatement of the existing sites.


Work is scheduled to be finished by 2015.

Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Managing Director Mike Sparrow said: "We are delighted to be awarded this complex project to upgrade the electrical infrastructure from the Highlands to the central belt of Scotland.

"We look forward to working with SSE and local communities to sensitively and successfully deliver this contract which will ensure that Scotland has the robust electricity network necessary to enable it to become a European leader in decarbonisation, through connection of its targeted growth in renewable generation."

(CD)