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Inquiry to start into pylon plans | Inquiry to start into pylon plans |
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A public inquiry is beginning into plans to build a line of 600 giant electricity pylons between the Highlands and Central Scotland. | A public inquiry is beginning into plans to build a line of 600 giant electricity pylons between the Highlands and Central Scotland. |
The project would take power from wind farms in the Highlands and islands to the national grid, 140 miles south. | The project would take power from wind farms in the Highlands and islands to the national grid, 140 miles south. |
Opponents said the line, from Beauly near Inverness to Denny near Falkirk, should have been put underground. | Opponents said the line, from Beauly near Inverness to Denny near Falkirk, should have been put underground. |
But the electricity company, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), said that would have been too expensive. | But the electricity company, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), said that would have been too expensive. |
The public inquiry, being held in Perth, follows years of controversy over the proposals. | The public inquiry, being held in Perth, follows years of controversy over the proposals. |
HAVE YOUR SAY The Highlands have some of the most beautiful scenery. How can anyone even think of destroying it? Beth Barclay, Edinburgh Send us your comments | |
SSE wants to replace the existing pylons along the route with new ones which would range from 42m to 65m in height. | SSE wants to replace the existing pylons along the route with new ones which would range from 42m to 65m in height. |
The company along with industry body Scottish Renewables believe that the upgrade is essential to exploit the huge wind and wave potential of the Highlands and Islands. | The company along with industry body Scottish Renewables believe that the upgrade is essential to exploit the huge wind and wave potential of the Highlands and Islands. |
Highland Council said it supported the principle but was opposing certain sections of the line due to concerns about the impact on the landscape. | Highland Council said it supported the principle but was opposing certain sections of the line due to concerns about the impact on the landscape. |
Objections have also been lodged by Perth and Kinross, Stirling and Falkirk councils, the Cairngorms National Park and more than 17,000 individuals and groups. | |
The inquiry, which gets under way on Tuesday, will hear arguments for putting the line underground or under sea. | The inquiry, which gets under way on Tuesday, will hear arguments for putting the line underground or under sea. |
However, these options has already been ruled out by SSE. | However, these options has already been ruled out by SSE. |