SSEN Transmission has today [Wednesday 17 December] agreed its biggest housing deal so far, with housebuilder the Springfield Group, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to contribute to the delivery of 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland, in support of plans to build the new electricity transmission infrastructure that is needed to deliver on Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power goals.
The landmark deal will support the construction of 293 new homes – the largest single-developer package agreed so far – across six different sites in the Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Moray, helping to meet pressing local housing needs while underpinning long-term energy infrastructure investment.
It follows SSEN Transmission’s announcements of new housing in Brechin and Stornoway last month, and more housing projects across the north of Scotland will be announced in the weeks and months to come.
Today’s agreement will see initial funding given to Springfield, to support the development of new homes at the following places:
| Location | Number of homes |
| Elgin | 24 |
| Lhanbryde | 77 |
| Turriff | 69 |
| Muir of Ord | 45 |
| Beauly | 40 |
| Drumnadrochit | 38 |
By working with Springfield to provide high-quality homes in communities experiencing housing shortages, the business is helping to support inclusive growth, create opportunities for people to live and work in local communities and ensure that the delivery of energy security and clean power targets directly improves the quality of life across the region. It follows last month’s signing by SSEN Transmission of the Highland Social Value Charter, which included commitments to housing investment.
A major boost for communities across the Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Moray
The new-build homes will initially support the workforce delivering the planned major electricity network upgrades that SSEN Transmission hopes to build as part of its £22bn+ infrastructure investment programme. Once completed, properties will be available to local communities – offering a mix of affordable, social, and private housing for sale and rent to help relieve local housing pressures. This forms a core part of SSEN Transmission’s long-term housing legacy initiative, first announced in 2024.
The Scottish Government’s Housing Secretary, Màiri McAllan, said, “The expansion of Scotland’s renewable electricity sector represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive economic growth, foster innovation and support our transition to net zero. This must be accompanied by the necessary infrastructure, including housing, if we are to fully realise all of the exciting potential this sector has to offer.
That is why I warmly welcome today’s announcement that SSEN Transmission have reached an agreement with the Springfield Group to deliver nearly 300 new homes in the Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Moray. Not only will these new homes support the economic development of the area, they will also create a lasting housing legacy, in these communities, when the homes are released back for sale and rent.
I look forward to seeing these developments progress and want to commend our Local Authority partners, for their collaborative approach working with SSEN Transmission and developers, to support the delivery of these homes.”
SSEN Transmission’s Managing Director, Rob McDonald, said, “This agreement with Springfield represents a major milestone in our housing legacy commitment. It’s more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about creating long-lasting value for communities, providing much-needed homes, and supporting the workforce delivering vital grid upgrades. Alongside our other housing agreements, we are proud to be working in partnership with Springfield to deliver homes that will benefit local people for decades to come.”
The Springfield Group’s Chief Executive, Innes Smith, said, “We are delighted to have agreed this deal with SSEN Transmission to provide housing to support the delivery of necessary renewable development that helps build up the energy security we need for the UK. The construction of these high-quality homes will further support the local economy with the significant creation of jobs and training for apprentices. When the rental period concludes, the local communities will benefit from additional affordable homes and much needed private housing to meet the demand for the future Freeport economic development.”
The agreement provides upfront funding to accelerate early construction works, with additional phases of investment unlocked should SSEN Transmission’s infrastructure projects receive planning consent.