An alternative site for a controversial electricity substation will be considered by an energy giant after it bowed to pressure from local activists.
SSE branch SHE Transmission has confirmed it will carry out a full investigation at a location suggested by the community.
The alternative plot – known as Site 6 – sits within the Glen Kyllachy Forest near the existing Farr Windfarm.
It was not initially included in a list of possible sites suggested by SHE Transmission but was put forward by concerned Strathdearn locals.
Until now, SHE Transmission’s preferred location has been a site at Garbole near the River Findhorn.
Residents in the area formed a campaign group – Save Strathdearn – to fight the plans, raising fears about the “industrialisation” of the beauty-spot glen.
The alternative suggestion was made by retired distribution manager Ray Thomas, of Tomatin, who believes Site 6 would be easier to access thanks to existing tracks built to serve the windfarm.
Save Strathdearn co-ordinator Pat Wells gave a cautious welcome to SSE’s announcement yesterday.
She said: “We trust it is not a move to simply halt the barrage of letters of objection to the Garbole site that SSE has received from all over the UK and elsewhere in recent weeks.
“In April SSE peremptorily dismissed the alternative location, citing very feeble reasons for its unsuitability, so we are pleased it is now willing to properly investigate the site.
“However, if SSE concludes the alternative site is unsuitable, it does not follow that we will accept what it stated as its ‘preferred option’.
“Constructing an industrial-scale substation in the heart of Strathdearn will never be acceptable and we would continue our battle on behalf of the thousands of people who treasure the glen to prevent it happening.”
The company has confirmed it will spend the next few months determining if Site 6 is economically viable.
Project manager, Andrew McLaren, said: “As a responsible developer, we know how important it is to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing.
“This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
“It is for this reason that we take the time to discuss our proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.”