An MSP has backed residents battling plans for a new pylons line they claim would “ruin an unspoiled and unique part of the north-east”.
Mike Rumbles has joined forces with local action groups to oppose the Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (Shet) plans for a string of 165ft structures which will pass close to Bennachie and other landmarks.
SSE wants to erect the pylons as part of a back-up power line between Blackhillock and Kintore.
Mr Rumbles written to the energy giant’s chief executive Alistair Phillips and urged him to look for a more suitable route for the line.
The Liberal Democrat north-east MSP said: “It is entirely wrong of SSE choose a route for these pylons that would ruin an unspoiled and unique part of the north-east’s countryside.
“The people here are right to be concerned by the proposed route.
“I am convinced that the proper route for this project must be along the A96 corridor.”
Mr Rumbles has joined the West Aberdeenshire Pylon Action (Wapa) and Craigearn, Leschangie and Monymusk Pylon Action (Clampa) groups in objecting to the plans.
Wapa chairman, Bill Henderson, said: “Mike came to our public meeting in March and spoke strongly against the plans to route these pylons through the unspoiled areas of Aberdeenshire.
“We are fully appreciative of his support and we hope that his support will help bring some more weight to our argument and make SSE listen to our concerns.
“I also think that his decision to write a letter to the chief executive of SSE will help and we are thrilled that Mike is on our side, this is very positive news.”
A spokesman for Shet said: “When we need to prepare plans to reinforce the electricity network, we seek to engage openly throughout the development process.
“That’s why we started the consultation process last year at the earliest possible stage and held over 20 events right along the proposed route corridor.
“We have received a large volume of feedback and we are seeking to consider all the points raised carefully before we begin to develop more detailed proposals.
“We will be replying to Mr Rumbles’s letter and would be happy to meet him to discuss the work we are doing and the procedures we follow further when his diary allows.”
