Beauly to Denny power line work set to start
Areas of Highland Perthshire on the Beauly to Denny power line route have been made subject of compulsory purchase orders as Scottish Hydro Electric begins groundwork for the scheme.
Electricity pylons near Drumochter.
Around 100 kilometres (62 miles) of the £230 million line upgrade will run through Perthshire, following the route of the existing transmission line with fewer but higher pylons.
Tracts of land at Rannoch, Kenmore, Aberfeldy and Amulree are earmarked for purchase so preparatory work can begin.
In all 14 parcels of land are detailed in remote areas where track upgrades are necessary and, in one case, a new bridge is needed.
A public notice states, "The order...provides for the purchase for the purpose of constructing new access tracks, undertaking works to existing access tracks, obtaining access and egress over those tracks, constructing a new bridge over the River Quaich and obtaining access and egress over that bridge."
The notice adds that the order will "facilitate the construction and operation of the Beauly-Denny 400kV overhead electricity transmission line."
Although the order came into force yesterday, it is stated that "aggrieved" persons can question its validity by applying to the Court of Session within six weeks on limited grounds.
Backers of the power line -- granted planning permission at the start of the year -- claim it is essential to unlock Scotland's renewable energy capability.
The backers point out that the line, although featuring higher pylons, is actually shorter than the existing one.
After Scotland's biggest public inquiry, various conditions were attached to the consent, but Scottish and Southern Energy said that it foresees no delays because of them.
Protesters claim the line is unduly obtrusive and potentially damaging to health and want much, if not all, of it laid underground.
Last month, several powerful environmental lobby groups called for the public inquiry to be re-opened, claiming vital questions had not yet been answered.
However, this has been ruled out by the Scottish Government.
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