Despite 18,000 objections, the controversial proposed power line between Beauly and Denny – running through some of the most beautiful parts of the Highlands, is expected to get the go ahead from the Scottish Government in the next few weeks, according to the BBC and other sources.
The new line, which will involve the building of 600 pylons of up to 200 feet in height, is to stretch from Beauly near Inverness to Denny near Falkirk.
The former MSP Dennis Canavan, president of the troubled Ramblers Association Scotland, said on the BBC Politics show, “If it does get the go-ahead then it will be an unacceptable act of vandalism. In Scotland we’re very blessed, we’ve got some of the most scenic countryside in the world. It’s a national asset, it’s something that we should be looking after not just for ourselves but for future generations.” Mr Canavan pointed out that the enquiry refused to consider alternative means of transmission, such as a sub-sea cable or taking the power lines round the east coast of Scotland. It was also claimed that the existing power lines could transmit the power from all the windfarms currently in planning permission across the Highlands.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland commented that “if it proceeds, the power line will damage some of Scotland’s most important and beautiful mountain landscapes, including a section of the Cairngorms National Park. Scotland’s landscape encourages people from all walks of life to enjoy the mountains, which offer opportunities for recreation, relaxation and tourism. The prospect of a new industrial landscape in the Highlands is one that will have a negative impact on all these activities.”
See also:
Maps of the proposed route are available on the website of Scottish and Southern Energy
Mountaineering Council of Scotland
Ramblers Scotland