A public inquiry in Perth has been set up to examine plans to erect new power lines from the Highlands to Central Scotland.

The inquiry into the Scottish and Southern Energy's (SSE) plan was set up after SSE submitted plans to erect new infrastructure of 212ft pylons along the route from Beauly, near Inverness, to Denny. But Scottish National Heritage old the inquiry the plans breach encroachment guidelines on the Ochil hills. The evidence has been disputes by SSE.

Throughout Scotland, protests against the plans have sprung into action over the proposals. In Sterling, protesters are saying the construction of the 137 mile line of pylons would irrevocably damage Stirling's historic and natural landscape.


However, speaking at the enquiry, Gillian Beauchamp, employed on the project by SSE, said the landscape and natural beauty of the area around Stirling would not be greatly affected by the upgrade and pointed out that the upgrade would follow the same line as the current power line and so would encroach no further.

Scottish National Heritage representative, David Cockburn, countered this by saying the issue was to stop further development, and not a discussion on the location of the line. He said: "We are debating whether these guidelines have been complied with or not. In no view have these guidelines been complied with."

Under the current proposals the new power line would also pass through the site of the Sheriffmuir battlefield.

Four local authorities covering the area where the pylons would be built - Perth and Kinross, Highland, Stirling and Falkirk - have all objected to the plans.

(DW)