Fans of 'Monarch of the Glen' have hit out at controversial plans by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) to build pylons of up to 65 metres high on the door step of Loch Laggan, home to the long running BBC comedy-drama.

At its peak the show starring Richard Briers and Susan Hampshire which ran for seven years attracted an estimated global audience of 50 million viewers.

The public inquiry into SSE's proposals to erect a 220km-long tranmission line supported by giant electricity pylons from Beauly to Denny switches to Newtonmore this Tuesday (August 28) when the focus will be on the section earmarked to cut across the southern end of the Cairngorms National Park.

Over 17,000 official objections have been made against the proposed power line.

In the run-up to the hearing at the Highlander Hotel, however, the proposals have come in for criticism from concerned self-termed Boglies across the Atlantic and even further afield.

Members of the US-based Bogliedom forum are already adding their weight to the local campaign led by action group Cairngorms Revolt Against Pylons (C.R.A.P).

Forum spokeswoman and New York-based paralegal Erica S. Murray said she was horrified by the plans - as were many other Boglies spread across the globe. They thought they had been dropped when all went quiet until the blaze of publicity as the inquiry approached.

"We are all equally appalled and distressed by the plans," said the 58-year-old.

"I am shocked to think that this beautiful and special area could be spoiled by these mega-pylons which could be erected across the Cairngorm National Park and through the heart of 'Monarch' country.

"I brought articles on the 'Strathy' and C.R.A.P. websites to the attention of Boglies around the world who still communicate with each other through e-mails and message boards.

"As a result, several of them have provided us with addresses of key political forums to which we can write to express our concerns.

"Others have set up petitions against the plans for us to all sign, while other have pledged financial contributions to assist in the fight.

"We all feel a strong connection to this special area of Scotland and, logically or not, take it personally when anyone tries to mess with it."

Fans of the show from as far away as New Zealand and Australia, as well as forum members across Europe and the UK, have joined their ranks.

They have even been purchasing specially-made designer badges and cartoon tea towels launched last month on the C.R.A.P. website to aid the cause "Most of us have visited the Highlands or plan to in the future. We are all constantly touting the natural beauty of the area to our friends, families and co-workers have resulted in other people taking an interest in it and visiting as well," she said.

"I have always had a particular fondness for the Highlands, and when Monarch of the Glen started airing on BBC America five years ago, I was an immediate fan."

Ms Murray believed that the area's future tourist industry, especially for many fans of the show, rested on whether the controversial plans go ahead or not.

"As most fans agree, the scenery is one of the main stars of the show, up on a level with Richard Briers and Susan Hampshire," she said.

"I cannot help but think the fantastic scenery would be marred by the sight of these monstrosities sticking way up above the trees and hills.

"I firmly believe that an alternative method of transporting the electricity from the Highlands to the south can be identified and implemented, one that will not ruin the sight lines so crucial to the area."

Members of the C.R.A.P. and other campaigners said they were pleased to hear their campaign now had the support of people across the globe.

Mr Rhoderick Noble, Factor at Ardverikie Estate, which was the setting for the fictional world of Glenbogle, said: "It is immensely heartening to everyone who has been campaigning with C.R.A.P. that we now have support from across the world.

"I think it is marvellous that Boglies from all corners of the earth are speaking up against this plan and it illustrates that it is not simply a 'Nimby' matter."

He added: "It has always been said Monarch of the Glen would never have been filmed here if the pylons had been around. It simply doesn't bear thinking about the enormous loss the local economy would have suffered if the show had been filmed elsewhere during its seven-year run."

Mr Noble added that future filming projects would be jeopardised if the plans went ahead as planned.

C.R.A.P. member Mr Roy Tylden-Wright added: "The Government seems intent on using the Highlands as a major route to the UK power grid, much to the detriment of the local area as a result.

"This must not happen and it is great to hear that people from across the globe agree with us, too.

"We've always known that the beauty and heritage of the Highlands is world-renowned. It is appreciated not only by those on our doorstep but other further afield."

The landscape and visual impact of the proposals will be discussed during the first two days of the public inquiry in Newtonmore.

Representatives from the electricity transmission company SHETL, Scottish Natural Heritage and the John Muir Trust will address the three members of the Scottish Executive's Reporter Unit.

BBC bosses decided in summer 2005 that their Sunday night flagship drama, set on the shores of Loch Laggan, was to be pulled after a total of 72 episodes on the weird and wonderful shenanigans of the Macdonalds of Glenbogle.

Executive producer Douglas Rae described "Monarch" as being the most successful drama series ever produced by the BBC.

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