CRITICAL UPDATE
Download a copy of the article here.
This is the most significant development since our fight began over two years ago. For too long, we have raised serious and well-founded concerns about SSEN’s proposed overhead line (OHL) design—and the devastating consequences it will have on Scottish agriculture.
At the heart of the issue is what we believe to be a shocking design flaw: the proposed OHL heights are too low to allow modern farming operations to continue safely.
This is not just inconvenient—it carries a risk of death or serious injury. Today’s agricultural machinery, including combines and sprayers, are substantially taller than in decades past. NFUS has been clear: SSEN should design their infrastructure to reflect modern farming reality.
Through a Freedom of Information request, we have now obtained the full set of OHL sag height data for the entire TKUP route—and the findings are deeply alarming. Large sections of the route fall well below acceptable safety thresholds for machinery exceeding 4.7m Even more concerning, SSEN recently stated that only machinery under 4.7m in height can safely pass beneath their OHLs. This admission will come as a huge shock to many farmers—most of whom we spoke to had not been told.
The reality is clear: very few modern combines or sprayers operate below that height.
Perhaps most damning of all: SSEN never seriously considered any alternative to pylons. They selected the most convenient and cheapest route—straight through productive agricultural land. From the beginning, we have consistently said that SSEN proposal for an OHL through agricultural land was the wrong choice, that only delivered speed and cost cutting.
If you're a farmer—especially one hosting or near a pylon—this directly affects you.
We urge you to:
Read the article
Share it widely
Tag or contact any farmer you know who may be impacted
In the coming days, we will share specific actions that you can take to help challenge this unacceptable design.
The future of Scottish farming depends on it.
