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Conservatives slam SNP over power pylons        6/1/10

Highlands and Islands Conservative MSPs have criticised the SNP

Government for not fully exploring all the alternative options

to the Beauly to Denny power line.

Jamie McGrigor and Mary Scanlon have also slammed the failure not to bury any of the line.

Ms Scanlon said: " Jim Mather's inability to answer the

detailed questions on the power line which Members put to him

will not inspire confidence, indeed it will mean further

uncertainty and worry for many on the proposed route.

"The Scottish Conservatives still believe that Ministers

should have done far more to look into undergrounding key

elements of the main power line and we share the widespread

disappointment that Ministers have decided not to take this approach."

Jamie McGrigor said: " Having listened to the Minister's statement I was surprised that it has taken so long for the government to unveil its

intention to give the go-ahead for the Beauly-Denny line - all

of this could have been said 6 months ago and I am sympathetic

to the groups who have worked so long to oppose the route.

"While most of us would agree with the need for an improved

national grid and better electricity infrastructure, especially

in light of the many renewable energy opportunities in the

pipeline in the Highlands and Islands, it will still be vitally

important to minimise the blots on the landscape with regard to

amenity and tourism aspects and protect our historic landscapes

and wildlife habitats.

“Sadly today the Minister didn't seem to demonstrate that he had taken on board the widespread concerns that exist and which his statement has failed to address."