By Eric Nicolson

PERTHSHIRE TORY MSPs Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith are stepping up the pressure on the Scottish Government to give answers on the controversial proposed Beauly to Denny power line.

Mr Fraser has lodged parliamentary questions asking the SNP administration to outline the advice they have taken on the potential health hazards of a 400kV electricity transmission line being routed near households and communities.

He wants to see the information published so that it is clear what, if any, potential health hazards there are for the communities affected by the proposed power line.

Furthermore, another parliamentary question has been lodged asking whether the Scottish Government will conduct a feasibility study into a subsea cable along the west coast of Scotland for the transmission of electricity as an alternative to the overhead pylon line.

Mr Fraser said, “If the Beauly to Denny power line is constructed, it is clear that there is a danger of long-term health hazards to houses that will be in close proximity to the line.

“This means that people living in houses along the proposed route, including parts of Stirling and other communities like Crieff, will be directly affected by the power line.

“That is why I believe it is important that the Scottish Government allow the public to know the latest advice it has taken on potential health hazards of the power line.

“Not only is this power line a potential health hazard, but it will also damage the local environment and could harm the local tourism industry.

“Stirling’s famous skyline will have pylons cutting across it and the line will also blot stunning views throughout Perthshire.”

He added, “I want the Scottish Government to carry out a feasibility study into the possibility of a subsea cable along the west coast of Scotland before a final decision on the Beauly to Denny power line is given.”

Ms Smith said, “Right from day one, the public has not been provided with a full cost-benefit analysis with regards to all the economic, social, and environmental factors affecting the Beauly to Denny line and the possible alternatives.

“Some of these involve serious issues relating to health and there are many members in the local communities which live along the proposed line who feel these issues have not been addressed.

“As far as I am aware no elected members are comfortable with the current proposal. This is a great matter of concern to me as a MSP representing an area which would be directly affected and as the decision process continues I hope that the SNP Scottish Government will look at every option, including the possibility of a subsea cable along the west coast.”

A decision on the power line application is expected next year.

Scottish and Southern Energy’s plans would see 600 pylons, each 212ft 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.