Shocking approval has moved Caithness closer to a new electricity hub at Banniskirk, near Spittal and Thurso, after Highland Council’s north planning applications committee granted permission despite fierce local concerns. SSEN Transmission says the Banniskirk Hub would help distribute power from offshore wind farms and connect to the proposed 400kV overhead line between Spittal and Beauly, alongside the existing Spittal 275kV Substation. Residents warned the decision would turn their “small but mighty community” into a construction site, a concern underscored by calls from locals that children in Spittal would grow up amid ongoing disruption. Nevertheless, councillors chose to approve with conditions, noting the alternative could push the application to Scottish government scrutiny if refused or deferred.
The meeting heard from both SSEN Transmission representatives and opponents. Alison Hall, SSEN Transmission’s director of development, welcomed the decision, stating: “Today’s decision marks an important milestone in delivering UK and Scottish government clean energy and energy security targets – creating a hub for projects that will help build a cleaner, more secure, and affordable electricity system for generations to come.” The project would connect to the proposed 400kV overhead line and the existing 275kV Substation, forming part of SSEN’s broader £22bn plan to transform the north of Scotland’s electricity network.
Local benefits are touted by the company, including new housing and jobs, along with over £1m in community benefit funding. Yet concerns linger about the pace and location of development, and Liberal Democrat councillor Angela MacLean voiced worries about the wellbeing of local families. The committee also noted that denying or deferring permission would not halt the project; it could still progress under government oversight, effectively limiting the council’s control.
In this broader energy context, the Banniskirk Hub is framed as a key component of decarbonising power supply and improving energy security for Scotland and the UK. The proposal underscores a tension common to big grid developments: translate offshore wind gains into reliable onshore distribution while balancing the social and environmental footprint on rural communities. As Highland stands at the intersection of regional growth and energy transition, the Banniskirk decision represents both a milestone toward cleaner energy and a test of how well local voices are integrated into national infrastructure plans.
