North Coast 500: Proposed 80-mile diversion on Scotland's NC500 route delayed until new year

The change in date comes as residents at Dundonnell launched a petition against a renewable cable electricity upgrade, which they feared would cause disruption for months on the route, which covers part of the North Coast 500.

Residents were concerned a major electricity upgrade in the north-west Highlands could have see drivers facing an 80-mile road diversion over the winter months.

The plans, managed by SSEN Transmission, will bring a renewable energy cable from the Western Isles ashore at Dundonnell.

SSEN Transmission has confirmed that no work will take place on the A832 until January 2026 at the earliest.

It says it is currently seeking solutions that will minimise the impact of the proposed roadworks and a series of in-person engagement sessions will take place in October giving communities a further opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals.

Niall Macleod, project director for SSEN Transmission, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide their continued feedback to date.

“Whilst we continue to consider alternative solutions to minimise the impact of these essential works, such as single lane closures or night time working, we would like to reassure the local community and road users that no works will take place in October and will not start until the new year at the earliest.

“Further engagement is planned to help inform our revised plans and we would again like to thank the community for their constructive engagement and feedback, which we have taken on board.”

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