Voe Residents Rally Against Pylon Plans Amid Energy Development Concerns

Residents of Voe have expressed strong opposition to the construction of new pylons and a substation as part of ongoing energy developments in Shetland. The local community gathered on Thursday evening to voice their concerns over the planned infrastructure work by SSEN Transmission, which is necessary to support proposed offshore wind farms in the area.

Councillors have acknowledged their limited power to influence the scale and pace of these energy projects. They are focused on mitigating the impact on local communities, hoping some large-scale plans may not proceed. Julia Odie, a member of the newly formed Voe Community Development Association, stated, “Yes, it is late in the day, but some of us have been arguing this for years.” She pointed out that residents are increasingly aware of how their way of life is being affected, particularly following a recent road closure by SSEN Distribution that was implemented without sufficient warning.

Local resident Sheena Cook emphasized the lack of communication surrounding these developments, saying, “We have been kept in the dark about a lot of things, and people are suddenly realizing what is going to happen here.” The information event, initially scheduled for early October, was postponed due to inclement weather, allowing the community to mobilize effectively.

Concerns were also raised about the wide-ranging impact of the proposed infrastructure. John Goddard remarked, “Sullom Voe was built in one place, but this is spread out; it is everywhere and will inconvenience everybody at some time and for a long time.” He called for more inclusive community discussions regarding the energy projects.

The sentiment expressed in Voe reflects a broader unease felt in communities across the Highlands and Islands, where energy transition projects are disrupting rural life. Andrea Manson, the Shetland Islands Council convener and councillor for the Shetland North ward, encouraged the council not to “roll over” and allow developers to proceed without regard for local concerns.

During the event, Alan Kelly, lead project manager for SSEN Transmission, acknowledged that the naming of the proposed substation as Kergord 2 was misleading, as the site is located south of Setter, off the B9071 road to Aith. He explained the plans for two lines of 28-meter-high pylons connecting the existing Kergord substation to the new site. However, the most contentious issue remains the proposed line of 38-meter-high pylons that would traverse the village to link Kergord 2 with a new Northern Substation Hub.

Kelly noted that if enough residents formally object to the proposed routes, this feedback could be used to request additional funding from the regulator Ofgem to bury some of the lines. He stated, “The project need has been confirmed… We have an obligation to deliver something that is economic and efficient.”

The feedback period for the Shetland AC connection project remains open until 8 January 2026. Kelly emphasized the importance of collecting formal responses through feedback forms and direct communication, as comments on social media would not be considered legitimate evidence for regulatory purposes.

Council convener Manson expressed concern that the division of projects into smaller components might further fracture community cohesion. Kelly explained that the planning process necessitates this segmentation, although some community representatives, like councillor Andrew Hall, argued for a unified impact assessment for the entire north Shetland area.

Hall stated, “You need to look at the various projects all together; we need one all-encompassing and comprehensive impact assessment.” He voiced skepticism about whether Ofgem and SSEN would be open to revising plans even with strong community pushback.

As discussions continue, the Voe community remains vigilant in voicing their opposition to the proposed developments, underscoring the need for transparency and collaboration in the energy transition process. Residents can submit feedback to SSEN Transmission via email or through their official website.