Points of view on pylons

More than 1500 responses have been made to plans to almost double the size of pylons marching across scenic South Ayrshire.

The planned route from south of Ballantrae follows river valleys of Stinchar, Duisk and Cree as it heads from Ballantrae to Barrhill to Newton Stewart and Cumbria.

Spanish- owned Scottish Power is upgrading its network from the Auchencrosh site- which sends power by submarine cable to Ireland - to the main electricity markets in England.

The new pylon chain will carry 400,000 volts instead of 132,000 volts and soar to 150 feet tall instead of 85 feet.

The power company has embarked on a schmoozing campaign, insisting it will do its best to mask the towering eyesores.

The new route will cover 109 miles to Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Cumbria, replacing 80 miles of 1930s- built line.

A public consultation ended on Monday and SP Energy Networks confirmed 1500 responses would be analysed.

Project boss Colin Brown said 700 people had also talked face- to- face at ten public exhibitions.

He said: “To make sure we develop the scheme with local concerns and ideas firmly in mind, every word of the feedback we have received now needs to be scrutinised and we will respond as part of the feedback report later this year.”