Preparation work on a multimillion-pound project to upgrade the Blackhillock electricity substation near Keith has begun.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission is carrying out the work as part of plans to build an underwater link between Caithness and Moray.
The 100-mile link will connect the Keith substation with its counterpart at Spittal in Caithness, and will be capable of transmitting around 1,200MW of electricity.
Construction of the main substation compound is due to start in September, with the site due to be fully commissioned and operational by Spring 2019.
Road improvement work is due to start in the coming weeks.
“I was born and bred in Keith and am passionate about the area. This is a huge project and boost for Keith,” said Charlie Lawson, vice-chairman of Keith Community Council.
The substation was granted planning consent by Moray Council in October 2012.
“We are developing plans to upgrade and reinforce the existing electricity transmission network which will help to support the forecast growth in renewable energy generation in the north of Scotland and the Northern Isles,” a Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission company spokesman said.
“As part of our proposal to develop a subsea electricity transmission connection between Caithness and Moray, we need to carry out extensive work to the existing electricity substation at Blackhillock.
“The Caithness to Moray project is a crucial part of the biggest transformation in the north’s electricity network since the hydro development era of the 1950s. The opportunities this time could be even bigger.”
The company hosted an event at the Ugie House Hotel in Keith last week to provide local residents with an update of its plans.
If Ofgem gives the green light to the cable plans, initial work on them would also begin this year.
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