A local MSP has welcomed news that the Scottish Government has ordered a public inquiry into a controversial overhead power line planned for the Stewartry.
Finlay Carson received notification of the move in a response to a letter Michael Matheson, the cabinet secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport.
The inquiry into the pylon line from Glenlee to Tongland became almost inevitable after Dumfries and Galloway Council formally objected to the Scottish Power Energy Networks scheme.
Mr Carson described the decision as an “appropriate step” given the “unprecedented” opposition to the plan.
He told the News: “From the outset I have maintained that the upgrade to the line should go ahead.
“But that should not be at an unacceptable long term cost to our natural environment and beautiful landscape.
“The time has now come for the major power companies to be more creative and forward looking as our dependency on renewables and the impact on rural areas becomes even more important.
“In this day and age, I believe undergrounding the power cables should really be the only option especially in light of the outstanding landscape involved.”
Campaigners Galloway Without Pylons (GWP) organised protests against the overhead line which, if built, would comprise around 120 towers up to 35m tall through the Galloway Forest Park.
Almost 1,000 people and organisations submitted objections to the government’s Energy Consents Unit.
The lobby group wants the line undergrounded east of Loch Ken along the same route as the existing ageing pylons, which are to be replaced and dismantled.
In his letter to Mr Carson, the cabinet secretary confirmed he was acting after a recommendation from Energy Consents Unit officials.
“SPEN is currently awaiting confirmation on these timescales from the Scottish Government and will communicate these to interested parties as soon as they are known.”
