Scottish Government urged to intervene over pylon plans for the Highlands
Proposals are being put forward which would see a new powerline stretch from Caithness to near Inverness
Last updated 6th Apr 2023
Campaigners voicing concerns over a mass pylon plan for the North of Scotland want the Scottish Government to step in.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are putting proposals forward which would see infrastructure stretch from Spittal in Caithness to the Inverness-shire village of Beauly.
The energy firm say it is needed to ensure Scotland can meet its net zero targets, but residents along the planned route feel it would destroy the landscape.
'Destruction of Highland' should be top of the political agenda
Barrister Lady Samantha Kane, of Carbisdale Castle, is representing herself and more than 20 other properties near Ardgay which are close to one of the routes SSEN are planning.
She said: "It will destroy the countryside and wildlife around Carbisdale Castle, Culrain and the Kyle of Sutherland area which is of scientific interest.
"Ideally, they wouldn't put any pylons at all in the Highlands.
"If you look at the scenery and the landscape here, it's like a Rembrandt painting.
"This is like a magnificent picture of landscape, it's like someone is taking a razor blade and slashing through it.
"The destruction of Highland should be the top of our politicians agenda.
"They should prevent this, both at Scottish Parliament and ministerial level."
Lyndsey Ward, who lives at Breakachy near Beauly, has formed a campaign group called 'Communities B4 Power Companies.'
She feels SSEN are pushing on with plans without sufficiently consulting members of the public affected by the proposals.
Lyndsey said: "It'll devastate Beauly.
"Beauly means beautiful place, if SSEN get their way, it no longer will be.
"We're iconic for our beautiful landscapes and the Highlands is just so good for the soul, whether you live here or visit.
"We're just trashing it and we're letting it be trashed by the Scottish Government and greedy energy companies.
"The Scottish Government need to give us the facts and figures because we haven't seen it.
"We're a bit fed up of the industry and the Scottish Government saying 'but we need it.'
"Let us see the proof and if they have the evidence we'll sit down and talk."
Pylon plans in "early stages" and feedback welcomed
SSEN Transmission say plans are in the early stages and say feedback will be carefully considered.
A spokesperson said: "The Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly 400kV project is part of a GB wide programme of works that are required to meet UK and Scottish Government 2030 renewable targets, including unlocking the first phase of the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round.
"Whilst delivering this critical national infrastructure by 2030 requires an acceleration of the project development and delivery phases, we remain fully committed to work closely with the local community and wider stakeholders to help inform our design and it is important to note that the project remains in the early stages of development and no specific overhead line route alignments have been identified.
"We are currently seeking feedback on potential route options within approximately 1km wide areas and preferred substation locations, with this feedback helping inform more detailed overhead line route options and our proposed substation site selections, which we will further consult on later this year.
“We would like to thank everyone who has shared their feedback so far, which will be carefully considered as we further refine our plans.
"Given the extent of interest in the project and in direct response to requests from the community, we have extended the consultation period by two weeks and would encourage anyone with an interest in the project to provide their feedback by Friday 14 April.
"We would also like to reassure stakeholders that we will continue to engage on our proposals after the formal consultation period closes as we further refine our plans to deliver this critical national infrastructure that is key to achieve UK and Scottish Government 2030 targets, deliver a pathway to Net Zero and secure the country’s future energy independence."
A Scottish Government spokesperson added: "Clear guidance is in place to ensure public consultation and engagement is carried out for all large-scale infrastructure proposals such as this, and that Environmental Impact Assessments are submitted.
"Any consenting application submitted to the Scottish Government for consideration would then be subject to further consultation with the public and statutory and local bodies, and local communities would have an additional opportunity to have their say on proposals.
"Potential impacts on communities, nature and other valued natural assets or cultural heritage are important considerations in the decision-making process."
Communities B4 Power Companies are holding a public meeting on the matter at Kiltarlity Village Hall tomorrow between 6pm and 8pm.