Loch Buidhe 275/132kV Substation

BT Bell provided civil and structural engineering design services for the Loch Buidhe 275/132kV Substation near Bonar Bridge in the Scottish Highlands. The development formed part of the wider Beauly–Dounreay transmission reinforcement scheme, which increased the capacity of the electricity network across the north of Scotland.

The project was developed to accommodate increasing levels of renewable energy generation in the region and facilitate its connection to the national transmission network. The new substation incorporated 275kV and 132kV infrastructure, including gas insulated switchgear and Super Grid Transformers.

Working as part of the project delivery team, BT Bell provided civil and structural design input across the substation, including foundations for high-voltage equipment and associated buildings, transformer infrastructure, cable routes, drainage and external works. The design required close coordination between the civil, structural and electrical disciplines to accommodate the extensive high-voltage plant and services across the site.

The completed Loch Buidhe Substation formed a key part of the reinforced transmission network between Beauly and Dounreay, providing additional capacity and resilience while supporting the continued development of renewable energy generation across the Highlands.