Moray MSP wants meeting about Blackhillock 2 substation proposed for Keith
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Moray's MSP is seeking a meeting with SSE bosses over their plans to build a new substation on the outskirts of Keith.
Richard Lochhead says that some townsfolk are anxious that the Banff Road site chosen for the Blackhillock 2 substation is too close to schools and to people's homes.
He said: "I have been contacted by a number of members of the Keith community who have considerable misgivings about the project and feel a better location for the substation could be found.
"It is of course the case that new substations are going to be needed going forward, but the location of what will be an extremely large development close to town amenities and schools is naturally of some concern.
"I hope to be able to discuss this matter with SSE in the near future to establish whether alternative sites have been considered and are viable."
In addition, Mr Lochhead questioned whether local opinion is being properly taken into consideration by the energy company.
He stated he had been told that not enough notice was given for the consultation meeting held by SSE in the Longmore Hall on Tuesday, March 21.
The consultation was originally scheduled for May 7 but was put back a fortnight due to bad weather.
The proposed site for Blackhillock 2, a 400kV substation, is by Drum farm.
Close to Keith's grammar and primary schools, the location was also identified pre-Covid as a possible place for a new health centre.
The development would be the third major electricity infrastructure project near Keith in recent years, along with the first Blackhillock substation and a battery project.
