Today marks one year since we published The Highland Grid – The story of power transmission in the north.
First published in June 2025, the book brings together over a century of history, drawing on archive material, historic photographs, newspaper cuttings and first-hand testimonies to tell the story of a network unlike any other in Britain.
While the national grid expanded across much of Britain in the early 20th century, the north of Scotland developed its own distinct network, what became known as the ‘Highland Grid’.
This system played a vital role in enabling hydro-electric power to reach homes, crofts and communities across some of the country’s most remote areas.
A year on, the publication continues to shine a light on a part of the electricity system that is often overlooked. From early milestones such as the Rannoch to Abernethy line commissioned in 1930, through to modern innovations like the high voltage direct current link connecting Shetland, Caithness and Moray. The story of the Highland Grid is one of continual evolution and innovation.
But at its heart, this has always been a people story. Through interviews and archive records, the book captures the experiences of engineers and linesmen working in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. Individuals whose resilience, skill and determination helped shape the network we rely on today.
Over the past year, the publication has helped spark a range of follow-on activity. This has included ongoing engagement with colleagues and retirees, as well as further exploration of the stories behind the network through knowledge-sharing sessions.
These conversations have reinforced the importance of preserving and sharing our history, ensuring that the experiences of those who built and maintained it continue to be recognised and inform the future of the network.
"Looking back over the past year, what stands out most is the response to the material we’ve been able to share. It’s opened up new connections with former colleagues and communities and uncovered further insight into how this network was developed and maintained. That ongoing engagement is invaluable, helping us ensure these experiences are not only preserved, but continue to shape how we understand the role of transmission in both our history and our future."
Gillian O'Reilly Head of Heritage, SSE
As we look ahead, the story of the Highland Grid is far from complete. The north of Scotland remains central to the UK’s energy future, with continued investment in transmission infrastructure playing a key role in supporting the transition to a low carbon energy system.
Find out more
If you haven’t yet explored The Highland Grid, copies are available to purchase from Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre or Waterstones and retails at £20.
We’re also keen to continue building this story, so if you have memories, photographs or experiences of working on the transmission network, we’d love to hear from you at heritage@sse.com.
