THE SCOTTISH Government expects to make a decision on the Beauly to Denny power line application next year.

Scottish & Southern Energy wants to build a 137-mile overhead line between Beauly in Inverness-shire and Denny near Stirling.

The company’s plan would see the building of 600 pylons, each 212-ft tall, passing through scenic areas in the Cairngorms and southern Highlands, Stirlingshire and Perth and Kinross.

Since being proposed in 2005, the £320 million development has attracted more than 17,000 objections, 14,000 of these on health grounds.

A lengthy and expensive public inquiry concluded in December last year and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser asked the Scottish Government when the findings would be known.

Mr Fraser believes that all alternatives to the current power line route—including the option of sub-sea cables—must be fully considered before it reaches a decision.

In response, Enterprise, Energy and Tourism minister Jim Mather said, “The Beauly-Denny public inquiry, the largest in Scotland since devolution, started on February 6, 2007, with public hearings concluding on December 20, 2007.

“The inquiry reporters are now preparing their report, which is not expected until the end of 2008.

“Scottish Ministers will consider the reporters’ findings in reaching their determination and therefore a decision may be expected in 2009.

Mr Fraser has already made it clear in the Scottish Parliament that the Scottish Government should consider the options of sub-sea cables along the west coast or make greater use of the eastern Scotland power line route instead of cutting through the Highlands and crossing through Perth and Kinross and Stirling.

He said, “The outcome of the Beauly to Denny power line application will have a lasting impact on Scotland and that is why it is so important that the right decision is made by Scottish ministers.

“Many community groups, organisations and individuals have put in so much effort and time into the public inquiry last year.

“The Scottish Government must fully investigate all alternatives to the current proposed route of the Beauly to Denny power line before coming to a final decision.

The MSP added, “I have deep concerns relating to the current proposed route of the Beauly to Denny power line, which will see it cut through some of Scotland and Perthshire’s most scenic and beautiful landscape.

“Also, if this proposed power line is given the go-ahead, then it will pass next to Stirling and the famous skyline of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle.

“There are also legitimate concerns about the environmental impact and potential health risks from the pylons, with it being routed so near to our local communities in Perth and Kinross and the Stirling area.

“The SNP Government must fully investigate alternative proposals.”