Highland Council to object to Beauly-Peterhead power line

Highland Council is to raise an objection to a planned major upgrade of an overhead power line between Beauly and Peterhead.

About 34 miles (55km) of SSEN Transmission's 115-mile (185km) line would pass through the Highland Council area.

The Scottish government has consulted the local authority on the plans, and the council's south planning committee unanimously agreed to officers' recommendation to oppose the project due to a number of concerns.

Officers said measures were needed to mitigate against the risk of visual impacts on several locations, including Culloden Battlefield and the Caledonian Canal.

SSEN Transmission has said the project had been developed in line with all relevant policies and legislation, and was now subject to a public inquiry.

Moray Council has already objected to the plans, but Aberdeenshire councillors chose not to oppose the proposals.

As part of the plans a 318ft (97m) tower has been proposed to be sited near the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands.

Inverness South Highland Alliance councillor Duncan Macpherson said it would be almost as tall as Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower.

Inverness South SNP councillor Ken Gowans accused SSEN Transmission of showing "no respect" over its planned route.

Council officials have suggested reducing the size of some of the electricity towers, and painting some so they blend into the surrounding landscape.

Six community councils oppose SSEN Transmission's plans.

The scheme forms part of its £22bn Pathway to 2030 programme.

The programme is designed to deliver upgrades to the electricity transmission system across the UK, and is aimed at meeting clean power and energy security targets.

SSEN Transmission said last week it had sought to balance key community and environmental considerations with technical and economic factors.

A spokesperson said: "It represents a critical step towards securing homegrown, affordable clean power for families across the country.

"It helps reduce reliance on imported gas from overseas, remove grid bottlenecks, and strengthen energy security at a time when security and affordability matter most."

They added: "Beyond energy, this project supports Scottish jobs and businesses, drives economic growth, and leaves a lasting legacy for communities."