A stretch of footpath almost one kilometre long in Kilmory has been upgraded by SSEN Transmission and Balfour Beatty.
The project team on the build of the new Craig Murrail substation north of Lochgilphead had heard that the path was overgrown and becoming difficult for members of the local community to access.
Teams set out to work to clear away vegetation and widen the footpath using diggers and landscaping equipment. Once cleared, the pathway was resurfaced to make for easier travel for walkers, wheelchair users, cyclists and horse riders.
The path connects the Kilmory industrial estate into the nearby community woodland area and Duncholgan Community caravan park, providing a safe alternative to reaching the town rather than travelling along the A83.
Accommodation for workers involved in the Craig Murrail Substation project as well as the Crarae and An-Suide Substations will also be built in a nearby area, with the Kilmory path providing another safe access route to those looking to reach the town centre.
The opening of the new path comes as another major milestone is reached in the development of the new Craig Murrail substation, with a ceremonial turf-cutting to mark the start of full site mobilisation taking place in late November.
Members of the project team from SSEN Transmission and their principal contractor, Balfour Beatty, were joined by Lochgilphead Community Council convener Andy Buntin and deputy provost of Argyll and Bute Council, Jan Brown, to officially mark the start of the project, which will be constructed over the coming years.
Once complete, Craig Murrail Substation will form a key part of the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Reinforcement Project, which involves upgrading the capacity of the main transmission network across the region from 132 kV to 275 kV. These upgrades are ‘crucial’ in enabling the growth in renewable energy across Argyll and ensuring security of the electricity supply in the region, SSEN said.
Martha Smart, SSEN Transmission community liaison manager for Craig Murrail Substation, said, “As guests in the area it is really important that we give something back to the community in which we operate, and when Argyll and Bute Council and the local Community Council mentioned the Kilmory path was in need of upgrading we sprang in to action. Thanks to Project Manager Jeff Forrester and the team we have been able to provide a safe access for the residents of Duncholgan Housing Association, as well as create a path which our teams will use in the future once the accommodation area is set up.
“It was fantastic to welcome along representatives from the community to see for themselves the difference the teams have made to the footpath, and I’m so pleased we’ve been able to help. The upgraded path is already being put to good use by members of the community in the area which we’re thrilled we’ve been able to make a difference.”
Jan Brown, deputy provost of Argyll and Bute Council, added, “It was really good to see the work being carried out between SSEN Transmission and Balfour Beatty in building a legacy of improvement works for the community to benefit from in years to come.
“I was particularly delighted to cut the first sod at the new substation site at Craig Murrail. It’s to be hoped that this substation will be a welcome addition to the infrastructure in Mid Argyll for years to come.”
