Both contracts have been awarded by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc, part of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), through the existing F2 Overhead Line General Works Framework and the 132kV Underground Cable Works Framework.

The first contract worth around £44m is for the overhead line works and will involve the design, supply and installation of a new conductor system as well as structural upgrade works. The second contract worth circa £3m is for the underground cabling works and will include the design, supply and installation of cable systems required to reconfigure the network as part of the overhead line reinforcement programme.

As a strategic partner Balfour Beatty has been supporting SSEN through the development stages of the project since March 2017. Balfour Beatty will be deploying the innovative composite core Monte Carlo conductor system, providing SSEN with twice the power capacity of the current steel core conductor. The works will be carried using methods that allow the service between Fort Augustus and Fort William to be maintained throughout the project, minimising any impact to SSEN customers.

Andy Smith, operations director for Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business in Scotland, said: “These two contracts build on Balfour Beatty’s long-standing relationship with SSEN and demonstrate our ability to deploy innovative solutions and deliver challenging projects to exacting safety standards. We are delighted to have been selected to support SSEN in the reinforcement of this critical transmission infrastructure.”

The contract is due to start this spring with completion due in 2020. At its peak, the project will employ a workforce of around 110 people including a number of graduates, trainees and locally employed staff and contractors.