Issue - meetings

Presentation by Head of Operations for Scotland North, Balfour Beatty

John Rennie of Balfour Beatty and Kelly Scott, SSE provided a presentation to the group in relation to the project currently being undertaken to replace the overhead electricity transmission line from Inveraray to Crossaig. Mr Rennie outlined the work planned as part of phase 1 of the project and noted that the team were happy to continue to liaise with the group to provide updates on work being carried out.

Discussion took place around benefits of the project for the local community and John Rennie confirmed that at the height of phase 1 up to 270 people could be working on the project, including local sub-contractors. It was noted that this level of workforce could have a positive impact on the local hospitality industry. Mr Rennie advised that the organisation was in conversation with the local school to discuss the possibility of providing Foundation Apprenticeships to local children and were keen to get ideas from the community on how they could make a positive contribution to the local area.

Councillor Horn asked if any update could be provided on concerns raised about the potential impact on tourism of the new pylons in Tarbert. Kelly Scott advised that conversations were ongoing with the local Community Council and the design team were in the process of creating a website where 3D representations of the pylons could be viewed. Kelly Scott noted that it was hoped that a video could be created between Balfour Beatty and SSE in future to publicise the works being carried out and the benefits to Argyll and Bute as much of the work is hidden away.

The Chair thanked Mr Rennie and Ms Scott for their informative presentation.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided in the presentation.