Nicol of Skene Successfully Completes SSEN Cabling Works at B976-Bridge of Muick

Nicol of Skene is proud to announce the successful completion of cable installation works for SSEN at B976-Bridge of Muick. Our team's expertise in civil engineering, directional drilling and utility installation ensured a smooth and efficient project,

The project involved installing 1 km of 11kV High Voltage underground cables to support SSEN Distribution with their removal of the existing High Voltage overhead cables and associated electric poles that are currently situated in the River Dee. This project marks a significant effort and investment to minimise the risk of damage to the Electricity Distribution Network of Ballater from any future severe weather or environmental factors.

Key challenges included designing and installing a steel pipe bridge for cables over a small burn, navigating road closures in a popular tourist area, and performing horizontal directional drilling (HDD) with a significant difference in ground level between the entry pit and carriageway exit pit for installing ducts. Additionally, the presence of existing overhead cables in the site area and the proximity to watercourses posed H&S and environmental factors that required careful consideration.

Our experienced team addressed each challenge strategically, ensuring project completion ahead of schedule.

Quote from SSEN -

"We are delighted with the outstanding effort from our contracted partner, Nicol of Skene. They successfully navigated numerous challenges and most importantly completed the job safely - with no lost time injuries.

The successful installation of these 11kV High-Voltage underground cables marks a major milestone in enhancing the safety and reliability of the Electricity Distribution Network to Ballater and its residents that also contributes to the long-term infrastructure resilience of the area.

We appreciate everyone affected by the project and thank them for their patience and understanding throughout the construction process. Thank you for your continued support as we progress to Phase 2 of works."

This project exemplifies our commitment to providing high-quality civil, utility and HDD solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. We are proud of our team's ability to overcome complex challenges and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Michael Miskelly, Nicol of Skene, Operations Director, commented: "This was an extremely challenging and varied project where we were able to successfully demonstrate our capabilities across our civils, utilities and HDD divisions. We'd like to thank everyone inconvenienced by the project for their patience and understanding during the works."

For more information on the services we can provide and how we can assist you with your next project, contact us today.