Members of an Inverness-shire community are rallying over fears that a new multimillion-pound high-voltage pylon line and sizeable substation will “wreck” their picturesque surrounds.
The campaigners hope to persuade Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission, part of energy giant SSE, to think again about plans for the 15-mile line of pylons up to 196ft tall stretching from south of Inverness to a new nine-acre substation at Garbole, near Tomatin.
The line would take energy from the growing number of windfarms in the area into the national grid, and the developer said it is legally required to offer a connection.
But concerned locals want it moved elsewhere and have called a public meeting tomorrow to outline their concerns.
On one proposed section, the route crosses grouse and deer moorland and will run parallel to an existing string of smaller pylons and 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 village, 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 Findhorn.
One of the main organisers of tomorrow’s meeting, Tomatin resident Pat Wells, said: “The idea is to make sure that everybody locally and further afield who uses the area for recreation or business knows what is planned. If the big substation is built at Garbole and the powerline goes across the Garbole road it will completely wreck the area.
“The glen is not the place for a massive substation. It would totally ruin the area environmentally and economically, as much of the economy is built on field sports such as fishing and tourism in general. Fishermen have told me they won’t be back and other people who use the area for recreation will go elsewhere, so it is worrying.”
She said SSE was unable to provide anyone to speak at the meeting but local speakers have been lined up to give short presentations on how they think the development would affect aspects including the natural and historic heritage of the area.
A secret ballot will then be held regarding the plans.
A Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission spokesman said: “An individual member of our project team was asked if he would attend the meeting on Saturday and responded to explain that he would not be able to do so.
“We understand that the community has concerns and are in the process of collating and analysing all the feedback from our recent consultation before we consider our next steps. We will keep local residents and the relevant community councils updated and look forward to continuing dialogue as we develop our plans further.”
The meeting takes place at Strathdearn Village Hall, Tomatin, between 2.30pm and 4pm.
Strathdearn Community Council has objected to the plans and would prefer the larger substation to be built near the Farr substation, away from homes.