Furious objectors have claimed multimillion-pound plans for new 152ft power pylons would be “disastrous” for a Highland beauty spot.
Energy giant SSE wants to build a 15-mile line from south of Inverness to Tomatin to harness electricity generated by ever-increasing number of windfarms in the area and transfer it to the central belt.
But at one proposed section, the route crosses grouse and deer moorland and will run parallel to an existing string of smaller pylons.
The scheme has provoked anger in the Strathdearn area south of the Highland capital, where residents fear the additional line will completely ruin the countryside setting and spoil panoramic views along a popular tourist road.
The development also includes proposals for a large substation outside Tomatin, which would cover nearly nine acres next to the unclassified road between the village and Farr, known as the Garbole Road.
Fears have been raised that the noise and industrial look of the substation would dissuade wealthy country sports enthusiasts from visiting the area, particularly famed for its fishing on the River Findhorn.
The road over the Garbole hills is also popular with cyclists and motor-bikers.
Inverness South councillor Jim Crawford said the plans were “outrageous”. He added: “It will be disastrous for a beautiful part of the glen. There is a well-used picnic spot next to the substation and it will be ruined.”
Meanwhile, Pat Wells, convener of Stop Highland Windfarms, said the plans would “trash” the glen.
She said: “It will totally wreck Strathdearn and will have a massive visual impact. I think there will also be serious noise problems from the substation.
“There is considerable disquiet and concern among the residents. It is a totally unsuitable location.”
And a spokesman for Strathdearn Community Council said: “The main concern is the substation development. It is an attractive glen and this proposal is an industrial development.
It is also a drive that is popular with residents from Inverness and other visitors. It is one of the places where you can get quickly into the hills and remote country.”
He added that residents feared sporting visitors may also be discouraged.
There is already a line of pylons along the route proposed for the new one, carrying a 132kV line connection from the Farr windfarm to the national grid. A stretch of this line would be retained as part of the upgrade.
While the existing pylons are about 86ft tall, the structures on the new 275kV line would be almost twice as high, at 152ft.
Last night SSE said the plans were at an early stage.
A planning application will not be submitted until the middle of next year, and a pre-application exhibition will be held before it is lodged.
Scottish Government ministers will make the ultimate decision on the plans. As well as the existing Farr windfarm, near Tomatin, there are two approved turbine schemes at Moy and Tom nan Clach, and an outstanding application for a development at Glen Kyllachy.
There are also windfarms approved at Dunmaglass and Corriegarth, and decisions being sought on more turbines at Dell, Stronelairg, Bhalaraidh and Allt Duine.
A SSE spokeswoman said that about 100 people would be employed to build the Inverness to Tomatin line. Larger pylons were needed because of the increased voltage and to ensure a higher ground clearance, she added.