New ‘super pylon’ line will ‘devastate’ popular beauty spot at Loch Brora
A SUTHERLAND beauty spot, which is a magnet for walkers and cyclists, will be devastated by the proposed new ‘super pylon’ line running some 100 miles from Spittal to Beauly, campaigners say.
SSEN Transmission is proposing that the 400kV pylon line crosses Loch Brora at a narrow point near Killin in Strath Brora. The average height of the pylons will be 57 metres, with a maximum height of 65m.
The second round of consultation on the controversial proposed electrical infrastructure, which began in mid-February, ended yesterday with drop-in events held in Rogart and Brora.
Meanwhile, SSEN is seeking to counter widespread opposition to the project, saying last week that investment in the pylon route will be a ‘major catalyst’ for the north’s economy.
Scenic Strath Brora is accessed by a minor road running from Brora to Rogart. The single-track road emerges from woodland at a point four miles from Brora, almost opposite a small island in the southern part of the loch.
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The view ahead includes the loch and the imposing presence of Carrol Rock with its sheer eastern flank.
SSEN has confirmed that the final route of the overhead power line, to be submitted for planning consent, will cross Loch Brora.
A campaign group opposed to the crossing of the loch has set up a website and Facebook page, The Wall of Truth Carrol Rock, to allow people to post their views.
A spokesperson for the group said: “People feel that the planning system, democracy, truth, and justice are being made a mockery of and that they are losing their voice.”
“The Wall of Truth Carrol Rock aims to give them back their voice and to make visible what people really think about SSEN’s plans. It is a chance for people to tell their truth, how they really feel, and whether they think the plans are acceptable or not.”
People who have posted on the site describe the loch crossing as “vandalism of the highest order", “abhorrent”, “nothing short of criminal”, “permanent destruction for short-term gain”, a “travesty” and a “tragic and avoidable planning decision”.
SSEN said in its consultation report document: “Impacts at Carrol Rock and Loch Brora were cited during refined route feedback, alongside a request to site the line much further west up Strath Brora and Strath Fleet or cable under the loch.
“Any potential impacts to Carrol Rock and Loch Brora will be minimised where possible through the micro-siting of crossing towers.
“Routing the overhead line further west would result in more significant and direct impacts on Carrol Rock SSI and would likely involve a direct interface with Caithness and Sutherland.
Peatlands SAC due to spatial constraints presented by existing infrastructure and residential properties.
“A route further to the east was consulted on earlier in the development phase but was not pursued due to impacts on ancient woodlands, topographical challenges, and potential impacts on the settlements of Backies, Doll, and West Clyne”
It was also stated that the pylon line would not affect walkers and cyclists.
SSEN senior development project manager Rebecca Gay said last week: “Looking more broadly at the economic impacts of our projects, these will deliver benefits to the local economy through supply chain activity and opportunities for business …. Other benefits will include a share of what is expected to be over £100 million in community benefit funding for communities across the north of Scotland, through our current £20bn investment in transmission infrastructure.”
This week's consultation events in East Sutherland mark the end of SSEN’s pre-application consultation process. However, the feedback period is open until Friday, March 21, and there will be an opportunity to make formal representations to Scottish Ministers through the Energy Consents Unit after SSEN submits its section 37 application.
Visit the project website at: ssen-transmission.co.uk/slbb
