People in the Scottish Borders are being invited to share their views on proposals for a new electricity substation – Gala North – as part of a public consultation being held from 8 June until 10 July 2026.
We first consulted on proposals for the new substation between Galashiels and Lauder in June 2024 and the revised proposals reflect feedback raised then, including around access and visual impact.
The proposed Gala North substation will be built approximately four kilometres south of Lauder in the Scottish Borders. The substation itself will have a footprint of six hectares with land within the wider site boundary utilised for access, drainage infrastructure, landscaping and screening.
It will have capability to host both 132 kilovolt (kV) air-insulated connections and 400kV gas insulated connections – with the 400kV transformers housed within a building constructed onsite.
The proposed site was selected due to limited visibility from the surrounding area, absence of nearby properties and its proximity to existing overhead line infrastructure.
As part of the consultation Community Drop In events will be held in both Lauder and Blainslie, where local people will have the chance to find out more, meet the project team and ask any questions. The consultation events will be held:
- 3-7pm, Tuesday 9 June 2026, Lauder Public Hall, Lauder, TD2 6SR
- 3-7pm, Wednesday 10 June 2026, Blainslie Village Hall, Galashiels, TD1 2QF
During this time SP Energy Networks is also consulting on proposals to divert a section of the existing 400kV overhead line (ZA route) that runs between Cockenzie and Eccles three miles south of Lauder, into the proposed substation. This would include 1.25km of new overhead line, six towers and two gantries to reinforce this part of the network.
Through our RIIO-T3 Business Plan, we are investing up to £12 billion across the transmission network in central and southern Scotland, supporting energy security and driving economic growth at a national and regional level. These vital infrastructure developments will transport green electricity from where it was generated to where it is needed.
Projects like Gala North substation are part of this work which will see the biggest rewiring of the GB electricity grid since its inception. The work will also increase the resilience of the electricity network in the local area, bringing more power to the communities for when people need it.
Mark Flannigan, SP Energy Networks Project Manager for Gala North substation, said:
“We’re pleased to share these revised proposals for the new Gala North Substation. We have listened to local feedback and the plans reflect that.
“This work is part of ScottishPower’s £12bn transmission investment programme which will be vital in strengthening the UK’s electricity transmission network. The replacement, upgrades and new infrastructure are critical to delivering a more secure and resilient grid and will help drive economic growth. These works are already delivering high quality, highly skilled jobs and supply chain contracts, across the Scottish Borders and the wider UK.”
“We want to hear from local residents about our plans to help us develop these proposals further.
“Engaging with local communities is essential for us so we hope that people will get in touch; either by attending one of the public exhibitions in the area, or by contacting us directly.”
People can find out more about the project online via our dedicated Gala North project website:
www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/the_proposal_gala_north.aspx
You can complete a feedback form online or call us on 020 3861 3742 to receive a paper version and return it using the envelope provided.
Alternatively, you can email us at info@galanorth.com.
Further consultation events will be held later this year.