Highlands energy upgrade could trigger 80-mile detour on North Coast 500 this winter

A major energy upgrade in the northwest Highlands could push drivers onto an 80-mile detour this winter, as SSEN Transmission moves to shut a three-mile stretch of the A832. The closure would occur in two blocks each day, spanning 14 hours from 07:00 to 21:00, starting 27 October and continuing through mid-December, with a second period from January to March 2026. The project would connect renewable power generated in the Western Isles to the National Grid by burying a cable underground between Dundonnell and Beauly.

To ease traffic during the works, SSEN has proposed three daily windows labeled as amnesty — 08:00–08:45, 12:30–13:30 and 16:30–17:30 — when the road would be open. The long diversion would affect the North Coast 500 route, a popular tourism corridor, raising concerns about access to services for residents and visitors.

Community members have voiced alarm about the plan. Lisa Stewart, who lives in nearby Badcaul, said the region is already fragile and holds an elevated risk of isolation, and the closure would make access to health appointments more difficult. She urged that the plans be revised to avoid crippling daily life. Trish Stevens, owner of the Dundonnell Hotel, warned that the works could threaten the viability of local businesses and tourism along the NC500, noting that the notice period provided to residents was insufficient for arranging alternatives. Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for the area, described the proposed diversion as covering more ground than is workable and said it could be severely affected by winter conditions; she called for a rethink of the proposal.

Niall MacLeod, SSEN Transmission project director, acknowledged that the road’s terrain, topography and space constraints make the closure difficult to manage. He said the firm is actively considering the feedback it has received and remains committed to ongoing engagement with road users, local communities and other stakeholders as it develops its proposals. The company emphasized its aim to minimise the impact of the temporary closure in response to the input gathered so far.

The project forms part of a wider effort to bring renewable energy from the Western Isles into the National Grid by running a cable underground from Dundonnell to Beauly, with the onshore works requiring the A832 closure at times. SSEN noted it would work to refine the schedule and explore alternative options in light of community concerns and winter weather risks. The timing of the works, which will run into winter and into early 2026, underscores the challenges of balancing energy infrastructure upgrades with the needs of remote coastal communities.

As the work progresses, SSEN says it will maintain a dialogue with residents and road users to identify practical mitigation measures and update the community on any changes to the schedule. The company emphasizes that the goal is to deliver a renewable energy connection that helps power homes and businesses while minimizing disruption, though residents and local leaders stress a need for more concrete, actionable steps to protect essential services and regional livelihoods during the winter months.