SSEN Transmission has announced a partnership with Springfield Group to deliver 293 new homes across six sites in the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire.
The deal is the biggest thus far in the organisation’s commitment to contribute to the delivery of 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland as part of its delivery of new electricity transmission infrastructure.
The new-build homes will initially support the workforce delivering the planned major electricity network upgrades forming part of SSEN Transmission’s £22+ billion infrastructure investment programme.
Once completed, properties will be available to local communities – offering a mix of affordable, social, and private housing for sale and rent to help relieve local housing pressures. This forms a core part of SSEN Transmission’s long-term housing legacy initiative.
By working with Springfield to provide high-quality homes in communities experiencing housing shortages, SSEN Transmission said it is helping to support inclusive growth, create opportunities for people to live and work in local communities, and ensure the delivery of energy security and clean power targets directly improves the quality of life across the region.
Elgin will see the build of 24 homes, Lhanbryde 77, Turrif 69, Muir of Ord 45, Beauly 40, and Drumnadrochit 38.
SSEN Transmission MD Rob McDonald said, “This agreement with Springfield represents a major milestone in our housing legacy commitment. It’s more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about creating long-lasting value for communities, providing much-needed homes, and supporting the workforce delivering vital grid upgrades. Alongside our other housing agreements, we are proud to be working in partnership with Springfield to deliver homes that will benefit local people for decades to come.”
Springfield Group’s chief executive Innes Smith added, “We are delighted to have agreed this deal with SSEN Transmission to provide housing to support the delivery of necessary renewable development that helps build up the energy security we need for the UK. The construction of these high-quality homes will further support the local economy with the significant creation of jobs and training for apprentices. When the rental period concludes, the local communities will benefit from additional affordable homes and much needed private housing to meet the demand for the future Freeport economic development.”
Scottish Government housing secretary Màiri McAllan commented, “The expansion of Scotland’s renewable electricity sector represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive economic growth, foster innovation and support our transition to net zero. This must be accompanied by the necessary infrastructure, including housing, if we are to fully realise all of the exciting potential this sector has to offer.
“That is why I warmly welcome today’s announcement that SSEN Transmission have reached an agreement with the Springfield Group to deliver nearly 300 new homes in the Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Moray. Not only will these new homes support the economic development of the area, they will also create a lasting housing legacy, in these communities, when the homes are released back for sale and rent.
“I look forward to seeing these developments progress and want to commend our local authority partners, for their collaborative approach working with SSEN Transmission and developers, to support the delivery of these homes.”
The agreement provides upfront funding to accelerate early construction works, with additional phases of investment unlocked should SSEN Transmission’s infrastructure projects receive planning consent.
