Dear Ms Scott,
I have recently met with a large group of residents in Dalmally who are very concerned about the SSE proposals for a high voltage transmission line.
At the outset I should make it clear that no one disputes that there needs to be an upgrade of some sort to allow power generated in Argyll to be exported from the area. There are however a number of issues that need to be addressed by SSE with regard to the specific proposal.
Firstly, local residents would like to know why this particular proposal has become the favoured option from SSE. Locally there is a view that there may be better options including the upgrading of the existing line which passes through the National Park. Why is this option not being pursued? In addition are there any other options in terms of the proposed line for the construction of the pylons and why have they also not been actively explored.
Secondly the consultation to date is widely regarded as poor. Some individuals only knew that their ground was affected and proposed for the construction of pylons when they came to the community exhibition. Others believe the visualisations do not accurately represent what they will see from their houses. SSE seem to be putting forward the most optimistic case but doing so without sufficient detail to allow local people to judge the plans and their full effect.
Thirdly there is confusion about the various stages of consultation and application. These ideas have been mooted for two years and many people wrote in objection at that time. Are these objections still valid? What is the timescale for further discussion with the community and what will it entail? When does the company envisage the line being needed and construction started? When would permission need to be given for that timescale to be met?
Fourthly there is a unanimous view that if the plans are to proceed they must not do so on the basis of a new line of pylons. The only acceptable plan would be one that either ran the transmission line under water, via the various lochs, or underground – or a combination of the two. The village and surrounding area has hosted one major transmission line since the opening of Cruachan – it is not prepared to have another one constructed, not least because some people will then be surrounded by high voltage lines. The landscape effect would also be very deleterious, a matter which is likely to attract national and international objection as well.
Finally there is a strong view that SSE should return to the table to discuss these issues on the basis of a plan which accepts undergrounding so that there can be agreement on that prior to application for planning permission from Scottish Ministers. If that does not happen the community will oppose any permission being given.
Having seen the proposed route and having listened to my constituents I have to say that I am in full agreement with them on these points and I look forward to hearing from you regarding them and to discussing them with the company face to face.
Yours sincerely,
Michael W Russell
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Argyll & Bute