Home   News   Article

Eyesore pylons in Cairngorms National Park could be in line for removal


By Gavin Musgrove

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
More pylons could be removed from the Cairngorms National Park if bid is successful.
More pylons could be removed from the Cairngorms National Park if bid is successful.

A COMMUNITY-led bid for underground pylons running through Balmenach by Cromdale is receiving support in high places.

Strathspey MSP Fergus Ewing is backing the application for funding from SSE’s Vista initiative.

Ofgem administers the £500 million fund for GB electricity transmission owners to mitigate the impact of electricity infrastructure.

SSE has confirmed the Balmenach pylons will be considered as a potential project after meeting the VISTA criteria.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority is also giving its support.

Mr Ewing said: “I have written to SSE and received a helpful reply from their Chief Executive. Given the scenic value of the area, this project is a strong candidate for undergrounding using funding set aside by the regulator “

“I understand this plan has received substantial support from local residents’ including members of Cromdale Community Council.

“This community led proposal will strengthen the special landscape qualities of this area by removal of a feature which, though it has been there for many years, undoubtedly detracts from its many qualities.

“I will advance this campaign working with my constituents and I am delighted to lend my support to this worthy project.”

If approved, it would be the latest big money project to remove eyesore pylons from the national park.

Last Autumn SSEN Transmission teams complete a £31.9 million project to remove 12 kilometres of overhead line and 46 towers from Strathspey.

The project was split into two sections.

It saw the removal of 15 steel lattice towers and approximately four kilometres of overhead line between Docharn wood and the Boat of Garten substation. A further 31 steel lattice towers and eight kilometres of overhead line between the Boat of Garten substation and Craigmore Wood, to the north of Nethy Bridge, also got the chop.

The scheme was part of the mitigation measures for the Beauly-Denny mega powerline.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More