How we navigated tree roots, salmon season and capercaillies to connect Strathrory Wind Farm to the power grid

SHEPD instructed DM to connect Strathrory Wind Farm in the north of Scotland to the power grid at Alness substation

Dalcour Maclaren’s involvement

1. Land referencing of the larger scheme area and land rights consultancy
2. Landowner introductions and engagement throughout
3. Routing feasibility studies and consultancy
4. Assistance with any potential compensation/ disturbance claims
5. Formulation of consents agreements and plans, including SSSI Consent  and Habitat Regulations Appraisal (HRA)
6. Surveying, including protected species surveys, archaeological surveys and design advice and a topographical survey of c. 6,000 trees
7. Stakeholder engagement, including SEPA and NatureScot

THE DM DIFFERENCE

We Challenge

This project had many moving parts and a tight window for delivery. We were able to offer a comprehensive service with input from various internal teams across the UK. 

Our Land and Property team were crucial in establishing early relationships with landowners and occupiers, which helped open up a dialogue to discuss project plans, address concerns and agree wayleave consents with grantors. 

Our Environment and Planning team identified potential environmental and planning constraints through ESRI software and independent research. Once the risks were identified, we engaged with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with legal and ecological requirements, obtain necessary consents and address any environmental mitigations. 

Without our ONETEAM ethos it would have been much harder to coordinate this project and see the consultation phase through to successful completion. 

We Innovate

With the number of ecological factors to consider, we knew that planning the cable route would be challenging. 

We used mapping software to survey almost 5,000 trees in two weeks in the Alness River Valley SSSI, which allowed us to identify tree roots. By using the same technology to map buffer zones containing bats and badgers, we were able to steer the client to choose a route that had as little ecological impact as possible. This wasn’t just good for the environment but also for the project budget and timescales, as it allowed us to streamline the consents process and protect the client from reputational damage.

We Care

There were geographical limitations on this project as a result of wildlife, but also time restrictions too. We had to make sure that construction didn’t fall within capercaillie breeding season, while also avoiding the salmon fishing season. One of the landowners was a large estate that offered salmon fishing for discerning guests, so we understood that they wouldn’t want disruptive construction work during the fishing season and adjusted our project timings accordingly. 

We always go out of our way to make sure that landowners and the local community are affected as little as possible when we’re managing a big infrastructure project, working to understand their business or farming operations. It’s vital that we consult with landowners from the outset and flex our plans to fit with their requirements.

Award-winning service

We’re thrilled that our GIS innovation on the Strathrory Wind farm connection project won the Nature category at the SSEN Distribution Sustainability Supplier Awards 2024-25. It’s testament to our drive for sensitive solutions that go above and beyond the industry standard.