Thursday May 7th 2026
Threepwood Moss site
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Two public consultations are planned next month over controversial plans from SP Energy Networks (SPEN) for a major new major substation on a “very precious” site in the Borders.
The company hopes to develop a substantial substation at Threepwood Moss, near Blainslie, south of Lauder.
Known as Gala North, the first stage of the substation would have a footprint of 5-6ha.
Threepwood Moss is the only raised bog left in the whole Ettrick & Lauderdale area and so is regarded as very precious.
This kind of habitat is so rare that it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the European Union has declared it a Special Area of Conservation.
Meanwhile, an initial pre-planning application for the substation has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council.
Two rounds of in-person drop in consultation events will be staged on Tuesday, June 9, at Lauder Public Hall and on Wednesday, June 10, at Blainslie Village Hall, both from 3pm to 7pm.
The proposed substation is a key component of the new Cross Border Connection project, intended to connect a 400kV overhead line down to a proposed Teviot substation near Whitrope, and on to the Scotland-England border.
The substation would feature a 400kV gas-insulated section (indoor) and a 132kV air-insulated section, designed to handle increased renewable energy transmission.
The development is part of a larger project involving 50m to 61m high steel lattice towers.
The proposal is opposed by local groups concerned about the industrialization of the area near Threepwood Moss.
The planning authority must respond within 21 days of receiving the Pre-Application Notice (PAN).
It will advise whether the proposed PAN is satisfactory or if additional notification and consultation above the statutory minimum is required.
The minimum consultation activity includes consultation with Lauderdale Community Council and Melrose and District Community Council.
Tweet Share on Facebook
