SPT urged to bury part of Beauly-Denny line

THE Scottish Government has increased pressure on a power company to bury part of the controversial Beauly-Denny electricity line.

Jim Mather, the energy minister, told Scottish Power Transmission to look again at burying part of the line around Stirling, raising the hopes of campaigners who want to reduce its visual impact.

Mr Mather last year approved the 350 million proposal for the 137-mile 400kV overhead line to replace an existing 132kV line, despite widespread opposition.

He has now asked SPT and Stirling Council to consider the scheme further, including any "as yet unexplored options", by the end of June. This will include the council's request for partial undergrounding from Fallin to Glenbervie.

He added: "I expect closer joint working between SPT and the council will result in a scheme which strikes the best possible balance between the development and the legitimate concerns of communities."