DEVELOPERS BEHIND the controversial power line from Beauly to Denny have ruled out a process called “undergrounding,” leaving an opposition group aghast.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) announced yesterday they will not seek to lay underground cables for the 137-mile electricity line, half of which takes in areas of Perth and Kinross.

The idea was to construct a line connecting the Western Isles to mainland Scotland under the ground and sea but SSE have decided the technology is not appropriate.

The company proposes 600 massive pylons from Beauly to Denny, but it has attracted a storm of protest and a public inquiry will take place next October in Crieff to decide its future.

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL), a subsidiary of SSE, has published a new consultation document but it rules out undergrounding.

It says, “The High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is not suitable for the proposed replacement of the existing Beauly-Denny transmission line with an upgraded line.

“That line is part of the main interconnected transmission system.

“The scheme to upgrade it features three intermediate points where it is necessary for the line to collect additional power: Fort Augustus, Errochty and Braco.

“It is not generally practical to connect into an intermediate point on an HVDC link.

“The Beauly-Denny replacement line is, therefore proposed as an AC overhead line.”

Dr Keith MacLean, head of sustainable development at SSE, said all comments will be considered with an environmental assessment.

The aim will be to “minimise the effects of the proposed connection on the people and environment of the area.”

But it is a surprise for Stirling Before Pylons, who saw undergrounding as the preferred option.

Peter Pearson, secretary of the group, said, “We are baffled why SSE don’t want to pursue undergrounding, it is not uncommon for this type of project elsewhere in Europe.

“This is an opportunity for them to show that they are not lagging behind the standards adopted elsewhere in Europe.”

More than 10,000 letters of objection have been submitted with regard to the power line, and Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham also expressed her concern at the apparent change of heart by SSE.

“This is disappointing as I think it is a possible solution to some of the visibility concerns that a lot of people have,” she said.