Pylons project legacy

In 2010 Scottish Ministers granted permission for work to start on the for the 136-mile Beauly to Denny transmission line, part of which crosses Stirling Council area.

A move to have the transmission line through Stirling area taken underground was turned down amid a public outcry.

Instead, in December 2011, the Scottish Government Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism approved Scottish Power Transmission’s scheme to mitigate the visual impact of the giant pylons through woodland planting, paths, signage and integrated wildlife habitats.

In 2012, the council set up the Beauly to Denny Power Line Legacy Steering Group to work with the Scottish Government, Scottish Power Transmission and partner agencies to oversee mitigation measures and projects in consultation with communities.

The steering group comprised four elected members – one from each party – and three public representatives.

Two associated groups were tasked with working in partnership with the Legacy Steering Group. The secondary steering group was established and comprises representatives from Stirling Council, Scottish Power Transmission Ltd, the Scottish Government and Central Scotland Green Network.

The Partnership Implementation Group was also established by the council to be responsible to the Legacy Group to manage the feasibility, selection, consultation, design and implementation of the compensatory mitigation, supported by sub-groups responsible for specific landscape measures and projects.