A north-east MSP has called for increased transparency surrounding a controversial electricity pylon development.
The proposed scheme could stretch for 103 miles from Beauly in Inverness-shire to Keith in Moray, and then onto Kintore in Aberdeenshire.
Concerns have been raised that the pylons could have a detrimental impact on the rural landscape.
But last night, developers Scottish Hydro Electricity Transmission (Shet) maintained the final route of the project had still to be determined.
Nanette Milne, MSP for the north-east, has now written to Alex Neil, the social justice and communities secretary, asking for the Scottish Government to ensure the public are properly engaged ahead of any planning decision.
Ms Milne said: “Local residents have expressed concerns regarding the destruction of the local landscape as well as the lack of scrutiny regarding the application.
“In the case of the Beauly to Denny scheme some pylons passing through areas of natural and scenic beauty were buried and I hope that due consideration will be given to this taking place in Aberdeenshire as well.
“I believe it is essential that we see the same public accountability and consultation as was provided for the Beauly to Denny line upgrade.”
The 400kV Beauly-Denny line – which has 200ft pylons – replaced a smaller one and passes through a number of sensitive areas.
Opponents of that development, which passes through a number of sensitive areas, claim the new scheme will have a damaging impact on the surrounding landscape.
The plans are currently the focus of a public consultation which has been ongoing since November, and is due to end this week.
Last night, Shet said consulting with the public was a key priority moving forward with the scheme.
A spokesman said: “We have held 12 consultation events to secure feedback from the public and statutory bodies on potential route corridors for the proposed transmission line.
“Once the consultation closes we will review the feedback before going back out again to consult with the public and other stakeholders on the preferred route corridor.
“We will continue to engage with people at every stage of the project to make sure they are aware of proposed plans and presented with the opportunity to comment on them.”