Current status: Answered by Jim Mather on 26 January 2010
To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason ministers overruled the recommendations of the reporter for the public inquiry on the Beauly to Denny power line upgrade regarding the section near Auchilhanzie House, Crieff.
On reaching my decision, I balanced the macroeconomic need for, and the benefits of, upgrading the existing line with the visual and landscape impact at locations along the whole route. The reporters found a compelling need and technical justifications for the overhead line solution. They recognised the pressing need to reinforce the electricity grid to accommodate renewable electricity generation in the north of Scotland. Crucially, they also found that the economic justification for the proposal was strong.
On balance, I concluded that there were strong arguments for a whole-line solution, which outweighed the withholding of consent for the line at the section near Auchilhanzie House, Crieff. I have asked the developers to come forward with imaginative ideas to mitigate the visual impact in this area. I want them to do so as quickly as possible after careful consultation with affected parties.