A £1.1billion project for a new undersea energy link between Caithness and Moray has reached a major milestone.
Four cable ducts have been installed by drilling through the rock about 65ft beneath the base of the cliffs at Noss Head, north of Wick.
It is a key stage in a scheme that is the largest investment in the north’s electricity network since the hydro development era of the 1950s.
The project involves creating a 100mile High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link between Spittal in central Caithness and Blackhillock in Moray, to enable the transfer of up to 1,200MW of renewable power beneath the Moray Firth.
The cable will transport power generated by proposed wind, wave and tidal developments planned for the north Highlands.
During the drilling work, a specialist member of the site team regularly monitored wildlife in the surrounding area, including grey and common seals, to minimise any disturbance.
Occasional pauses in work when seals were close to the site ensured that the mammals were undisturbed.
SHE Transmission’s lead project manager for onshore cable works Michael Blake said: “The successful completion of the drill at Noss Head is a major achievement for our project – and particularly for the team that has been working hard on site over the past few months.
“Working in any coastal environment presents a range of practical and environmental challenges.
“At Noss Head, our site team has taken great care to protect local wildlife from disturbance.
“The resident seals have kept a curious eye on proceedings, but have not let our activity get in the way of their relaxation time.
“By the end of 2018, electricity equivalent to the output of a large power station will be transferred 20 metres beneath them in a tiny fraction of a second, while they sleep on.
“The main onshore cable works are now nearing completion in Caithness and the ducts at Noss Head will enable the first stage of the cable’s journey beneath the Moray Firth.”
“I would like to thank residents at Noss, Staxigoe, Papigoe and Wick for their patience and understanding while we have been working in the area.”
The cables will be pulled through the ducts on to land next year.
Two of the four ducts installed will carry the main electricity cables, a third duct will contain the fibre optic cable used in the operation of the system, while a fourth is available as a spare.