Teams working on SSEN Transmission’s New Deer Substation Extension have been coming together to make a positive impact in the local community through a range of initiatives.
Recently, site teams have come together to support Aberdeenshire North Foodbank, collecting food and essential items to help local families in need this Christmas. The initiative reflects the team’s commitment to making a positive difference in the community alongside delivering vital energy infrastructure.
Donations have been gathered by staff across the project, ensuring that those facing hardship receive practical support during the winter months. The foodbank provides a lifeline for many households, and the team is proud to contribute to its efforts.
Teams with some of the donations for Aberdeenshire north foodbank ahead of their drop-off in time for Christmas
Community engagement and volunteering
Beyond supporting the foodbank, the team has been busy with other local initiatives. Last month, seven team members volunteered to refresh the Watt Room at New Deer Public Hall, covering the cost of paint and supplies to support the Community Association’s request. The team donned overalls to give the space a much-needed makeover.
In addition, members of the team joined forces with colleagues from the Beauly to Peterhead overhead line project and partner Balfour Beatty to volunteer at the nearby Keith & Dufftown Railway, a popular local visitor attraction. Tasks included vegetation control and general maintenance, helping preserve this important piece of local heritage.
New Deer Substation extension project team getting ready to help paint New Deer Public Hall
Progress at New Deer Substation extension as first major equipment arrives
While supporting the community remains key, the project has also reached an exciting milestone with the arrival of the first major pieces of equipment – including the Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) bays. These GIS bays will play a crucial role in facilitating future connections, supporting the region’s energy infrastructure and enabling the transition to a more resilient and sustainable network.
With the site now fully prepared for future construction, the arrival of GIS bays signals the start of the electrical installation phase of the project. These components will enable future connections to the substation and support Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.
Volunteers helped out with Keith & Dufftown railway for the day
Stuart Webster, SSEN Transmission project manager for the New Deer substation extension project, said: “Aberdeenshire North Foodbank provides a vital lifeline for families who need extra support at Christmas, and we’re proud to play a part in helping our local community at such an important time of year.
“Our team has been committed to making a difference here at New Deer – from refreshing the village hall to helping preserve heritage projects like the Keith & Dufftown Railway. These efforts allow us to give something back and make a real, positive impact locally, which is something the whole team truly values.
“Alongside this, the arrival of the first major electrical components at New Deer Substation marks a significant step forward for the project and for the future of the network. The project is progressing at pace, and we’ll continue to keep the community informed and involved as we move ahead.”
New GIS equipment arrives on site at the New Deer Substation extension project