November regional infrastructure update
Aberdeenshire:
Kintore – Tealing new 400kV line. The route for this project was subject to a public inquiry in September, to review agricultural impacts, with the Reporters expecting to issue a final decision in January. . This caused yet more delays and uncertainty; however, we are pleased to report that we have reached voluntary agreements with some of our clients affected by the project. To achieve this, we took into account issues that were brought up at the inquiry as well as the individual issues affecting clients’ property.
Beauly – New Deer – Peterhead new 400kV line: Currently in the project refinement process. If you believe you may be affected, please get in touch.
Peterhead – Persley – Kintore upgrade to 400kV: This is currently in the project assessment phase but it is worth clients being aware of the project in their area and initial contact is being made with affected occupiers.
Aspen Offshore Wind Farm Project
Two offshore cables are planned to come onshore at Newtonhill as part of the Aspen Wind Farm Project. The route is proposed from Newtonhill to the Hurlie Substation near Stonehaven via underground cables.
If you are affected, contact our Aberdeen office on 01224 933800.
South West Scotland
Kendoon to Tongland 132kV Reinforcement (KTR) Project
In the coming months, a contractor appointed by SPEN is looking to take non-intrusive and intrusive access to investigate the proposed route.
ZV Wishaw Moffat Gretna
Work is anticipated to start in 2028; however, landowners and occupiers at the northern end of the route are likely to have been contacted by Mgroup, who are looking to gain access to assess the access routes ahead of more intrusive surveys and the works themselves. We are starting to see instructions coming through and would encourage landowners and occupiers to get in touch. If you are affected, contact our Edinburgh office on 0131 449 6212 or email utilities@drrural.co.uk
A75 upgrade – Crockletford and Springholm
June 2026 saw another round of public consultation with six route options passing through the north and south of the villages, still under consideration. These include dual carriageway and single carriageway options with dedicated overtaking opportunities through an additional lane. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn said: “Identification of a preferred route option is expected in early 2027”.
If you are affected, contact our offices in Castle Douglas 01556 502270 or Ayr 01292 265851
Cross Border Connection project (Galashiels to Cumbria)
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has received representations submitted on behalf of our clients in Scotland. In Cumbria, the stage 1 consultation period saw over 680 people attend meetings and over 500 objections.
D&R continues to engage with potentially affected clients and has attended local community consultation meetings, including a packed hall at Scaleby. The proposed Route A and Route B options have raised significant concern within the local community, particularly in relation to their scale and location. The project is progressing to a longer timetable, with the second phase of consultation not anticipated until 2027.
This phase is now closed so SPEN can take on board the feedback and carry out surveys to develop their final proposals. If you are affected, contact our offices in Edinburgh 0131 449 6212, Castle Douglas 01556 502270 or Cockermouth 01900 268 633
