By Eric Nicolson

A SUBSEA cable along the west coast of Scotland will be considered by the Scottish Government as a possible means of supplying electricity before any decision is made on the controversial proposed Beauly to Denny power line.

The pledge was made to Perthshire MSP Murdo Fraser in parliamentary answers after he had lodged several questions.

The Mid Scotland and Fife Tory asked the Scottish Government whether it would, in principle, support a subsea cable along the west coast of Scotland.

In response, energy minister Jim Mather said, “The Scottish Government believes that subsea electricity transmission options should be explored if we are to fully capitalise on our renewables potential.

“We are therefore involved in two studies, one of which will examine potential grid links from the west coast of Scotland to Ireland.

“The aim of these studies is to help make the case for long-term commercial investment.”

Mr Fraser also asked whether the SNP government would consider a subsea cable for the transmission of electricity before any final decision is taken on the Beauly to Denny power line.

To that question, Mr Mather answered, “Scottish ministers will give full consideration to the report of the Beauly to Denny public inquiry and all other material considerations, including any relating to alternative options such as subsea cables, before determining the application.”

Mr Fraser was heartened by the minister’s response. “It is welcome news that the Scottish Government will consider the option of a subsea cable before a final decision is given on the proposed Beauly to Denny power line,” he said last night.

“I believe that a subsea cable along the west coast of Scotland is a real and viable alternative to the current proposed Beauly to Denny power line and it is encouraging that a subsea cable will be fully considered.

“If a subsea cable was constructed instead of the proposed Beauly to Denny power line for the transmission of electricity then it would mean that we will not have to see a giant overhead pylon line cutting through Scotland.

“The proposed route of the Beauly to Denny power line cuts through some of Scotland’s very sensitive landscapes.

“The proposed line paves through one of Scotland’s national parks and some of Perthshire’s scenic landscape, and will damage Stirling’s famous skyline.”

The public inquiry into the line was the biggest inquiry in Scotland’s history.