'Save Loch Kinellan and Contin Woods' petition mounted over SSEN 'mega-pylon' threat in Ross-shire
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RESIDENTS in an area of Ross-shire set to be affected by a new power line of pylons have launched a petition warning of the "irreversible damage" it would do to an area "teeming with life".
The energy firm SSEN is seeking to build a new 400kV overhead line with ‘super pylons’ around 57 metres high, running around 100 miles from Spittal to Beauly.
New sub-stations are also proposed at Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly.
The new power line is seen as vital for transporting renewable energy generated in the Highlands to more populated areas of central Scotland and England. SSEN has said it is part of a UK-wide programme of works that are required to meet 2030 renewable targets.
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A Change.org petition launched last week by local resident Ali Craig aims to challenge the preferred route and force a rethink.
The 'Save Loch Kinellan and Contin Woods – demand SSEN use alternative for Mega-Pylons' states: "I am a local resident deeply concerned about SSEN's 'favoured route' to construct 60m high mega-pylons through the beautiful Contin Woods beside Loch Kinellan, Strathpeffer. This area is not just a place for local folk to walk, it is a precious ecosystem teeming with life. The woods are home to old Scots pine, birch and larch trees that provide habitat for an array of wildlife including wildcats, osprey, long-eared owls and crossbills. The loch itself is stunning, surrounded by bull-rushes and reeds, and home to rare and striking Slavonian grebes which breed here.
"As you climb above the loch, there are breathtaking, 360-degree views of the magical Conon peaks (our Misty Mountains!), impressive Ben Wyvis, the Cromarty Firth, the ancient Pictish stronghold of Knockfarrel, the Blackwater, Conon and Beauly river plains stretching south to the Inverness-shire mountains – views that would be needlessly marred by towering pylons.
"Contin Woods are renowned for their top-rated mountain bike trails attracting cyclists, including many younger folk, all year round and hosting the national Strathpuffer event.
"SSEN's favoured construction route will cause irreversible damage to this nature site and our community woodlands simply because it’s the shortest route. However, there exists AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE acceptable to locals that they could choose instead.
"We understand the need for infrastructure development but not at needless cost to our environment and community. We urge SSEN to take account of local sentiment and environmental impact and re-route these pylons away from Loch Kinellan and Contin Woods.
"Please sign this petition urging SSEN not only to preserve our natural heritage but also uphold community voices in decision-making processes concerning places we value."
The petition has already attracted over 250 signatories, many echoing those sentiments, some challenging the need for the pylons in the first place and others insisting an alternative route is found.
SSEN meanwhile earlier this month said it was assessing an alternative to the proposed overhead line passing Contin and Strathpeffer developed through consultation with local stakeholders. That will be taken forward to route alignment stage alongside the initial potential route that was consulted on earlier this year.
In the southern section, between Dingwall and Beauly, SSEN Transmission is progressing the overhead line route that was presented in its previous consultation which aims to minimise the impacts on the surrounding settlements.
All three substation locations, at Spittal, Loch Buidge and Beauly, will progress in line with the preferred options presented in the consultation.
A further round of public consultation on overhead line alignments and more detailed substation designs will take place in early 2024.
