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The inquiry is looking at the proposal for a new 400,000 volt transmission line that would see 600 pylons, many of them over 50 metres high, erected between Beauly, near Inverness and Denny, near Stirling.

NFUS Vice President Nigel Miller said, "Before we erect 600 pylons each around the height of the Scott Monument, every single alternative must be looked at. Unless we can see evidence that overhead lines are the only viable option we won’t support them. And we haven’t seen that evidence yet.

"We are not questioning the need to develop renewable energy projects and there is real potential across the North of Scotland and on the islands to do that. Nor are we questioning the need to increase transmission capacity to take the electricity generated to where customers are. However, we have real concerns at the impact in the countryside of the proposed line."

Jackie McCreery, Director of Policy and Parliamentary Affairs, SRPBA said, "SRPBA would like to see every opportunity explored so that, if this proposal does go ahead, it does so in its most appropriate form, which in our view must include undergrounding. If this is the expensive option, then that is a price that may have to be paid. Otherwise we fear that the wider cost in terms of economic, social and opportunity loss to business and properties will be far greater."

In London, underground cabling has been adopted as the preferred route of electricity transmission for the Olympics.

The Beauly to Denny pylon public inquiry started on the 6th February 2007 and will continue throughout the year.

What do you think?

Let us know what you think about the proposals for the pylons. Do you think underground cabling should be considered regardless of cost? Or do you think the benefits of the pylons will outweigh any negatives? Have your say by adding a comment to this article. 

Read more about the pylon public inquiry

Pylon inquiry official website

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