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Fort Augustus-Skye Tee

We were Principal Contractor for the construction of  a new build 132kV Trident line with a route length of approximately 8.7 km running from the south end of Loch Lundie, near Invergarry, to just north of Fort Augustus grid substation.

Steelwork was strengthened on an existing tower at Loch Lundie on the Skye Teed 132kV circuit feeding the Western Isles, and 107 pole structures and the associated stays were installed and strung with 300 mm2 UPAS EHC AAAC, terminating at a cable terminal pole just north of Fort Augustus.

Due to the nature of the terrain vehicular access, was at best, restricted and in some areas not possible therefore materials were flown to site by helicopter.

Hard rock at depths of up to 3.5 metres was encountered at some pole locations resulting in excavations taking considerable amounts of time, and in other areas soft peaty conditions required significant quantities of hard core. It is considered that, in several of the softer areas, the use of our specialist shutter system not only minimised the effects on the environment but also significantly reduced the very real potential for accidents and injuries to site personnel.

The construction and re-instatement works were completed in 6 months, with NorPower staff returning to undertake the tie in works to the Skye Teed circuit so that the line could be energised soon after.

Several positive items of customer feedback regarding this project were received, including the following from the Client’s Community Liaison Representative:  “… the community were complimentary towards the approach and consideration displayed by NorPower. Comments made by the community highlighted the good behaviours and tidy site which NorPower operate…’”