A “TRANSFORMATIVE” project is aiming to reduce the number of power cuts for thousands in the Borders.

An improvement programme worth £13 million will see an 18-kilometre underground cable installed under the A72.

Residents in Peebles, Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Yair Bridge are in line to benefit from the upgrade to the “resilience and reliability” of the local electricity network.

SP Energy Networks’ district general manager for the Borders, David Climie, said: “This will be a truly transformative project for local people and we’re excited to be getting to work soon.

“We’ve gone above and beyond to find the best possible solution to address the localised network issues in this area, as well as future-proofing the network to meet growing electricity demand as people make greener choices in their daily lives.

“We’re also working closely with the local council and have put a lot of thought into carefully planning these works to keep any disruption to a minimum.

"We appreciate there will be some inconvenience, but we know the real and lasting difference this substantial investment will make in delivering a modern and reliable electricity network for the Borders that supports a cleaner and greener future.”

Residents in the area have experienced periodic disruption to power supplies in recent years.
The works are expected to begin in October, subject to council approval, and last around 14 months.

They include the modernisation of Yair Bridge substation, allowing for the removal of the facility in Walkerburn, which has been affected by flooding in the past.

Temporary traffic restrictions will be in place as work is carried out, but the Yair Bridge will remain open at all times.

An event is being held to give residents the opportunity to discuss the planned works and raise any concerns.

It will be held at 5.30pm on Wednesday (September 18) at Walkerburn Village Hall, on Galashiels Road.