Work involves the design and installation of a 200km double circuit 400kV overhead electricity transmission line and associated civil and access works, including construction of temporary access roads and improvements to some private roads.

The project will replace an existing 132kV overhead transmission line that will be dismantled during the contract period including reinstatement of the existing sites.

The work is scheduled to be completed in 2015.

Mike Sparrow, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this complex project to upgrade the electrical infrastructure from the Highlands to the central belt of Scotland.

“We look forward to working with SSE and local communities to sensitively and successfully deliver this contract which will ensure that Scotland has the robust electricity network necessary to enable it to become a European leader in decarbonisation, through connection of its targeted growth in renewable generation.”