Lighting Up the Highlands: A Journey Through the Highland Grid
I recently had the privilege of attending the official launch of SSE Heritage’s remarkable new book, The Highland Grid: The Story of Power Transmission in the North. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect as I made my way up the M90 but I left the event feeling genuinely inspired.
This book tells the story of one of the most extraordinary feats of infrastructure in the north of Scotland. More than just a technical achievement, it’s a tribute to the people, past and present, who braved some of the harshest conditions in the British Isles to bring power to remote communities. Their stories are woven into the fabric of the grid itself.
A Living Legacy of Power and Perseverance
At the launch, I had the chance to speak with individuals who’ve dedicated their careers to keeping the lights on. Some are now retired, others still on the job, but all shared a deep pride in their work. One story that stood out was of an engineer who had to dig himself out of over 10 feet of snow, on eleven separate occasions, to ‘get the job done.’ That’s not just dedication - it’s something he sees as a badge of honour.
The book is structured around four powerful themes:
- Pioneering Spirit
- Technological Acumen and Innovation
- Professional Resilience
- Personal Commitment and Teamwork
These themes reflect not only the technical challenges but also the human stories behind the grid’s development.
Controversy, Community and Collaboration
Like any major infrastructure project, the Highland Grid has not been without its controversies. From petrol stations to canals, motorways to rural housing, public opinion has always played a role. But when viewed through the lens of social history, these developments are often about improving lives and supporting economic growth.
Crucially, infrastructure must not be something that simply “happens to” communities. Their voices matter. And as we’ve seen over the past century, when communities and developers work together, incredible things can be achieved.
Looking Ahead: The Grid of the Future
We now stand on the brink of the largest investment programme the north of Scotland has ever seen. The upcoming RIIO-T3 price control period will usher in a new era of development, including a major 400kV overhead line connecting Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly. This isn’t just about Scotland, it’s about securing clean, reliable energy for the entire UK. The Queensferry Crossing was widely recognised as the largest construction project in Scotland for a generation. Today, it's the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) - a 505km electricity superhighway between Peterhead and Drax.
The grid is central to our net-zero ambitions and the push for clean power by 2030. But with new technologies like High Voltage Direct Current and increasingly complex planning requirements, the path forward won’t be simple. Public understanding of the network’s role in enabling renewable energy infrastructure is still limited and that’s something we need to change.
A Source of Pride
The Highland Grid is more than wires and pylons, it’s a symbol of ingenuity, resilience and strategic foresight. It has evolved to meet the needs of the present and the future, both on land and under the sea. It places the north of Scotland at the heart of the UK’s ambitions to build a cleaner, more reliable electricity network - one that will power future generations, strengthen energy security and unlock significant socio-economic benefits for communities across the region.
As Professor Keith Bell aptly puts it on the back cover of the book: “Fascinating and enjoyable.” And if Keith says it’s worth a read, well, you might as well put the kettle on. Just don’t forget, you’ll need the grid for that…
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