Member News: SSEN Transmission outlines plans to strengthen and secure east coast electricity network

May 19, 2026
Member News: SSEN Transmission outlines plans to strengthen and secure east coast electricity network
  • New and replacement substation projects will secure local supply while enabling growth in clean energy generation
  • Proposals include the removal of around 82km overhead line between southern Aberdeenshire and Angus, reducing cumulative impact of proposed infrastructure
  • Plans also in development for new north-east overhead line reinforcement and substation project, with consultation dates to be announced later this month

SSEN Transmission has set out plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network between southern Aberdeenshire and Angus, ensuring a secure supply of electricity for local communities while enabling future clean power connections and reducing the cumulative impact of overhead lines along Scotland’s east coast.

The proposals, which are outlined in a booklet that is now available to the public, include the replacement of two substations, and the construction of a new one.

The plans also include the removal of around 82km of 132kV overhead line between Craigiebuckler in Aberdeen and Monikie in southern Angus. The line, which is around 70 years old, is nearing the end of its operational capabilities.

Removing this ageing infrastructure, which consists of over 550 steel towers and wooden poles, is essential to maintain network reliability. It will also help to reduce the cumulative impact of current and proposed overhead line projects between Aberdeenshire and Angus.

To enable its dismantling, two substations at Fiddes and Bridge of Dun that provide power to Stonehaven, Montrose, Brechin and surrounding communities would be replaced and reconnected to the existing transmission network at different locations, via new 132kV overhead line or underground cable connections.

These replacement substations would be located within the vicinity of the existing sites, be of a similar size, and would ultimately allow the existing sites to be demolished as part of the overhead line removal programme.

At Fiddes, this would see a new connection to the upgraded Fetteresso 132kV substation near Stonehaven, where plans will be submitted to upgrade the substation to support both local demand and future growth, including plans to electrify the East Coast railway.

Meanwhile, a 275kV substation is proposed in the area around Brechin and Edzell.

Known as the East Coast substation, this would connect into the existing Kintore to Tealing 275kV overhead line through new tie-ins, while a new Bridge of Dun substation would also be established and connected to the 275kV substation via 132kV overhead line or underground cable circuits.

Consultation is planned later this year for the Fiddes and Bridge of Dun substation projects.  A series of consultation events will take place  in May for the East Coast substation, as follows:

  • Monday 25 May 2026, 2-7pm Inglis Memorial Hall, Edzell, Brechin
  • Tuesday 26 May 2026, 2-7pm Stracathro Parish Hall, Inchbare, Brechin
  • Wednesday 27 May 2026, 1-6pm Craigo Community Hall, Craigo
  • Thursday 28 May 2026, 2-7pm Brechin City Hall, 9 Swan Street, Brechin,

Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, said:

“We’re pleased to share early proposals for changes to transmission infrastructure on Scotland’s east coast, including the removal of around 82km of existing infrastructure. These form part of key network upgrades that will play a vital role in enabling new clean energy generation, increasing energy security, and delivering substantial economic and legacy benefits.

“Together, these proposals would support a secure electricity supply for local communities while reducing the cumulative impact of transmission infrastructure through the dismantling of existing overhead lines.

“At this early stage, no final decisions have been made on sites or technology, and public feedback will play an important role as we develop our plans.

“Our upcoming consultation events on a proposed new East Coast 275kV substation are the first opportunity for communities to share their views, and I would encourage anyone with an interest to attend and provide feedback.”

In addition to these proposals, SSEN Transmission is also intending to hold consultation events in early June for a separate project to upgrade the existing Peterhead to Kintore 275kV overhead line in north-east Scotland to 400kV operation. Like the proposed projects between Aberdeenshire and Angus, this forms part of SSEN Transmission’s investment of around £29bn to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland in the coming years.

Further information on these plans, including proposals for a new substation in the south Formartine area, will be made available later this month along with consultation dates. The exact location of the proposed substation is yet to be selected.

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