Wild Land News no 66, Spring 2006

Update on power line upgrade Article

Anne Macintyre

The Scottish Executive has received over 17,000 objections to the proposals for a 400,000 volt transmission line supported by 600 giant pylons up to 213 ft high and stretching over 136 miles from Beauly to Denny.

Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has joined the growing list of public bodies opposed to the proposals. Highland, Perth and Kinross, Stirling and Clackmannan Councils have resolved to object to the proposals.

The members of CNPA unanimously agreed that the proposal conflicted with all four of the park's statutory aims:

To conserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage
To encourage sustainable use of the natural resources
To support sustainable economic and social development
To promote understanding of the park's qualities.

The board agreed that the proposal failed to demonstrate there was no possible alternative and that it had failed to comply with the electricity industry's own guidelines that high-voltage overhead lines be routed away from high amenity value areas.

The board has now called for the Scottish Executive to convene early meetings involving all interested public bodies in an attempt to avoid a public inquiry. However, it is looking increasing likely that the proposal from Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Power will result in a public inquiry.