MEMBERS of the public are being given the chance to see part of the plans for a major new electricity link connecting Scotland and England.

SP Energy Networks is holding two consultation events to allow residents to find out more about a proposed new substation at Branxton, near Thorntonloch.

The substation is part of the Eastern Link project, which will provide an increase in electrical capacity to support the growth of renewables.

The proposed substation will sit next to the existing electrical infrastructure at Branxton, enabling a connection to the proposed Eastern Link converter station at Oxwellmains, which will then flow on to the subsea HVDC cables.

Underground cables will link the substation to both the converter station and to the subsea cable landing site near Torness.

Barry Hughes, development lead at SP Energy Networks, was keen for people to find out more.

He said: “We would encourage local residents and businesses to come and find out more about our proposals for the new substation at Branxton.”

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the public meetings will take place online: tomorrow (Tuesday, 8am-9.30am) and Thursday (October 28, 5pm-7pm).

Public exhibition material is also being left in Dunbar’s Bleachingfield Centre and at Innerwick Village Hall.

To attend the online consultation, go to spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/branxton_consultation.aspx