Quoich to Broadford towers
Contents
Overview
The line between Quoich Tee on the Scottish mainland and Broadford substation on the Isle of Skye uses a transmission tower type known only from this one line. These are “light construction” towers, designed for 0.125□″ SCA (125 mm² Tiger ACSR) conductors; they are a derivative of the Inveraray–Taynuilt type (Blaw Knox T1498), adapted to carry an earthwire. Indications are that the towers are Blaw Knox contract T2639, designed in 1977.
The towers are all double circuit, but are strung single circuit only.
The Energy Voice article Maybe it’s time to look to Heligoland begins, “Current plans to reinforce the power line between Fort Augustus and the Western Isles, via Skye, reminded me of the controversy that arose when the link was created in the 1980s.” According to SSEN, the line was completed in 1980. [Skye reinforcement]
At present, there is a single circuit line on double circuit lattice towers between Quoich switching station and Broadford, followed by a Trident wood pole line to Ardmore substation via the Edinbane and Dunvegan substations. (It appears that Quoich was originally connected to Invergarry power station via a K1201 line, but at the intersection with Fort Augustus–Fort William the line currently diverts to Fort Augustus on wood poles; the line from Invergarry power station now tees into the line to Fort William.)
The Inveraray–Taynuilt tower types all have an “L” suffix, possibly to denote “light construction”. This appears to be true for this line too, if these towers are indeed T2639.
General data
| Design contractor | Blaw Knox |
|---|---|
| Found | |
| Status | Historic, in service |
| Class | Light construction |
| Height (straight line tower) | ? |
| Voltage | 132 kV |
| Known conductors | Single |
| Design conductor | 0.125□″ SCA (125 mm² Tiger ACSR) |
| Design earthwire | None |
| Circuit count | Double (used as single circuit) |
Tower forms
The following diagrams are shown to scale at 12 pixels per metre:
Examples
Broadford
