Anti-pylon protest at Holyrood

AN Angus campaigner warned “our land is being trashed” as protesters took their campaign against planned pylons to Holyrood for the first time.

Groups from Dundee to the Highlands gathered outside the Scottish Parliament to vent their anger.

They want John Swinney, who is likely to be the next first minister, to put a stop to the plans if he takes power.

Protesters say the high-voltage “superpylons” and electricity substations will ruin the countryside and harm the environment.

“We’re not against net zero. All we’re trying to ask is look at how net zero is achieved,” said Vince Taylor, 62, from near Forfar.

He challenged Mr Swinney to meet campaigners if he becomes first minister, adding: “We would ask him to come and talk to us, and explain to us why our land is being trashed..”

Campaigners opposed to the 57-metre pylons brand them “monstrous” due to their extreme height.

One 70-mile line will extend from Tealing, near Dundee, to Kintore in Aberdeenshire.

Campaigners want the infrastructure to be installed underground or along the coast.

North East Tory MSP Tess White raised the matter at First Minister’s Questions and led the discussion in parliament.

She said: “All of us are keenly aware of the challenge facing Scotland and the UK as we continue down the road to net zero.

“But many of the people who will live and work in the shadow of these monster pylons, or next to the substations, do not feel as if they are being helped along that road.”

First Minister Humza Yousaf said it was “not appropriate” for ministers to comment on such potential projects.

The Holyrood protest.