On completion the project will ensure the supply of secure, clean electricity to thousands of homes and businesses across the Hebrides and West Highlands.

The detailed design and development phase, valued at £32m, will see Balfour provide technical solutions for a new 137km, 132kV double circuit overhead line between the existing Fort Augustus and Edinbane substations.

Subject to planning approval, the full construction contract award is expected later this year.

Due to the expansive and unique terrain, Balfour Beatty will engage its in-house environmental and sustainability team to consider ecological and environmental requirements, from peat management to wildlife translocation, contributing to SSEN Transmission’s biodiversity net gain targets.

In addition, Balfour will work closely with local communities to minimise disruption wherever possible. This will include building a ‘Skye workers village’ to provide the construction workforce with dedicated site accommodation.

This latest award follows Balfour’s appointment to SSEN Transmission’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework in 2023.