One of the largest power firms in Scotland reached a major milestone yesterday with half of the controversial Beauly to Denny power line now complete.
Engineers are now in a race against time to erect as many of the huge towers as possible carrying high-voltage electricity cable from the Highlands to the central belt before the winter weather bites.
The 267th tower was put in place yesterday at the foot of the Corrieyairack Pass, marking the halfway point in the project, which has been the focus of controversy for more than a decade.
A 700-strong team of engineers are working on installing the new power line and are erecting an average of five towers a week.
They are on course to complete the Scottish Hydro part of the line by 2015.
SSE’s director of transmission David Gardner said: “This landmark is a further demonstration of the good progress being made and a testament to the teams of engineers who are working in some of Scotland’s toughest terrain.
“The positive contribution the project has already made in terms of job creation and adding to local and national economies cannot be underestimated and we expect these benefits will be replicated across the other grid upgrades being progressed as part of our £1.4billion investment programme.
“This investment is essential in allowing the connection of renewable energy and helping keep the lights on across the north of Scotland.”
Niall Stewart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables said: “The Beauly-Denny line is key to delivering Scotland’s renewable electricity targets and essential to connect wind, wave and tidal projects in the north of the country to the grid.
“Quite simply, there can be no wave or tidal industry without it so it is great to see SSE’s section on track to be finished in 2015 – by when Scotland will be generating more than half of its electricity needs through renewables.
“This is good news for the whole renewable energy industry and all those who depend on the continued growth of the sector.”