Unpopular plans to build a mast in a picturesque north-east village have been thrown out after a local backlash.
Pennan had been earmarked by the Scottish Government as a site to boost 4G internet signal, but the idea of building a 26ft mast in the heart of the community proved controversial.
The pole would have been erected in a special conservation area of the village, which is most famous for featuring in the film Local Hero and attracts scores of visitors.
WHP Telecoms was behind the plans for the tower to be built next to Pennan Community Hall.
Conservative councillor for Troup, Mark Findlater ,was among those who rejected the proposal when it was discussed by members of the local authority last year.
Last night, he said he was pleased that the historic part of the port would remain untainted.
He added: “I’m all for improvements in rural mobile phone coverage, but not to the detriment of such an astounding conservation area like the one in Pennan.
“I am pleased that the people of Pennan will no longer have the prospect of a tall telecommunications mast looming over them.”
Similar plans to boost 4G coverage in other rural areas have also been dropped.
Drummuir, near Keith in Moray, Mallaig in Lochaber and Cuidrach on Skye have been removed as locations for masts as no mobile network operators have committed to using them.
