The Highland Grid: The story of power transmission in the north

The Highland Grid is one of the most remarkable things ever built in the north of Scotland. First created to enable the construction of the region’s acclaimed hydro-electric schemes by transmitting electricity from where it was generated to where it was needed, it became the cornerstone of the network that transformed the Highlands in the post-war years through universal provision of electric light, heat and power. Without it, those hydro-electric schemes would have remained a pipedream.   Its original construction, in tough conditions across inhospitable terrain, and in the face of some strong opposition, was a feat of engineering excellence and human perseverance. With its day-to-day operations frequently beset by storms, snow and ice it has had to prove its resilience time and time again, with engineers working in the most adverse conditions to maintain the supplies of electricity on which people depend.   Yet the Highland Grid has never been finished; it has evolved continuously to meet the needs of the present and the future. Almost a century after its first electricity transmission line was built to allow the construction of a major hydro-electric scheme in Perthshire, it continues to be developed on land and under sea. It is now one of Europe’s fastest growing transmission networks, transmitting the electricity from renewable sources that is putting the north of Scotland at the heart of energy decarbonisation and security.   Always distinct from the National Grid, of which it has never been part, the Highland Grid has a rich history. Although not without controversy, at its heart is a story of technical acumen, human ingenuity and strategic investment in the north of Scotland that stretches back almost 100 years. Here, for the first time, this story is told.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Introduction 1 - Recognising the Highland question 2 - Introducing 'gridiron' 3 - Making the first connection 4 - Taking on the Highland problem 5 - Constructing the main transmission lines 6 - Working at height 7 - Creating the Highland supergrid 8 - Enabling new developments 9 - Going over the hills to Skye 10 - Weathering storms 11 - Linking the isles 12 - Shouldering a renewables obligation 13 - Replacing the Beauly-Denny line 14 - Aiming for a 2020 vision 15 - Building a network for net zero 16 - Supporting a national endeavour Notes Bibliography Index 

About the Author :
Researched and written for SSE Heritage by A.L. Young. The researcher and author has an MA in History from the University of Birmingham and has worked in Britain’s electricity sector for almost two decades.