SSE has withdrawn from a project to build an electricity connection between Scotland and Norway.

The utility said it wanted to focus on its core markets in Great Britain and Ireland and would have no financial involvement in the NorthConnect venture.

The remaining partners in the scheme – Vattenfall UK, E-CO Energi, Agder Energi, and Lyse – are said to remain fully committed to developing the interconnector.

NorthConnect said: "The decision by SSE does not affect the deliverability of the project."

SSE said: "The need to focus on core markets, the number of alternative investment opportunities available and the lack of short-term clarity on the regulatory regime around interconnectors meant continuing the project was not in SSE's interest."