SSEN Transmission has officially opened a £17 million operations warehouse in Dundee’s Claverhouse East Industrial Estate.
Mirroring the success of its sister site in Inverness, this new strategic hub is designed to strengthen the resilience and efficiency of the north of Scotland’s high-voltage electricity transmission network.
Built by Beauly-based firm Global Infrastructure (Scotland) Ltd, the 7,500 sqm warehouse – around the same size as the V&A – includes heavy lifting capabilities, advanced storage systems, and enhanced security and monitoring technologies.
Strategically positioned to support the southern portion of SSEN Transmission’s network, SSEN said that the Dundee facility will play a vital role in maintaining operational continuity and supporting Scotland’s clean energy ambitions.
Adding a distinctive touch to the site is a striking sculpture in the form of two large intertwining dandelions, with the large flowers crafted entirely from repurposed glass insulators once used across the transmission network. The installation of the sculpture was a planning condition of the consent for the Dundee warehouse site.
Designed by artist Ailsa Magnus, the installation, located at the front of the warehouse, celebrates the transformation of Scotland’s energy infrastructure and is a welcome addition to the grounds of the new Dundee site.
John Baillie, lead project manager at SSEN Transmission, commented, “The opening of our Dundee warehouse marks another milestone in our commitment to building a robust and future-ready transmission network, and mirrors the high standards set at our sister site in Inverness.
“The collaboration between the team at Global Infrastructure and SSEN Transmission has been brilliant, and we’re so pleased to see this warehouse now come into use after several years of hard work and dedication by the whole project team.
“The excellent sculpture by Ailsa is a welcome addition to the new warehouse, which is made even more special by the fact it uses real components which were once used locally across our overhead transmission network.”
Mark Fleming, construction director at Global Infrastructure, added, “Following completion of the first 7,500 sqm operations warehouse at Dalcross earlier this year for SSEN Transmission, we are now delighted to have achieved full project completion, with the sister building in Dundee now also complete. This has been a significant project for Global Infrastructure, and one we’re extremely proud to have delivered. Like the Dalcross project, we engaged over 20 subcontractors, and all in, around 350 individuals played their part in bringing this facility to life. At peak, we had a workforce of around 90 people per shift on site.
“These flagship facilities showcase the capabilities of our team and supply chain to deliver not only locally but also outwith our Highland base. We take great satisfaction in having delivered them to the highest standards of safety and quality, and they stand as a testament to the strong collaboration across all parties involved. We now look forward to continuing our partnership with SSEN Transmission on future critical infrastructure projects across Scotland.”
Ailsa Magnus, sculptor for the art installation, said, “I was delighted to be the artist selected to undertake this commission by SSEN Transmission.
“The work consists of two tall, arched galvanised metal columns and at the top of each, a spherical, clustered head. This head is designed to resemble the fragile, airborne seeds of a dandelion clock. The most notable feature is that the ‘seeds’ are fabricated from recycled glass insulators sourced from electricity pylons, giving the piece a clear connection to its location and the energy.
“The sculpture utilises the clear, translucent quality of the glass insulators to catch the sunlight, making the piece visually dynamic against the sky and the earthy tones of the foreground. Its modern, industrial materials contrast with the natural form it depicts, creating a symbolic link between nature and human engineering and the energy infrastructure. Once established the piece will be surrounded by a wildflower meadow.”
