15 November 2006

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has joined with the National Trust for Scotland, the John Muir Trust, the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, the Scottish Wild Land Group and the Ramblers' Association to form a group to fight against the Beauly to Denny Powerline at the forthcoming public inquiry.

The MCofS representative on the group, the popular writer and outdoor expert Chris Townsend said:

“The MCofS originally objected to the proposed Beauly to Denny transmission line on grounds of lack of evidence of need for the line, the devastating impact it would have on landscape, and as a consequence of that the effect it would have on Scotland's tourism industry.”

“The proposed string of pylon towers over 200 feet high is inextricably linked to the large number of wind farm proposals currently in the planning and approval pipeline, which if approved by the Scottish Executive, would devastate the hitherto unspoilt scenic upland landscape of Scotland for generations.”

“Over a quarter of a million Scots regularly enjoy hillwalking and climbing. Hundreds of thousands of visitors to Scotland also use the A9 trunk road, alongside which the pylons could pass, to gain access to the hills. These pylons will have a serious visual impact on many of the most popular hillwalking and tourist areas. If the line is approved, we believe that it will have a serious detrimental affect on tourism, hill-based activity and as a consequence, the Highland economy.”

“The public inquiry will require many thousands of pounds as ongoing legal advice is essential. The MCofS is appealing to its 10,000 members and supporters for funds to help with this work. All money raised will be used for the case against the Powerline or similar causes.”

The MCofS website is at www.mountaineering-scotland.co.uk where details of how to contribute to the fighting fund may be found. Alternatively, cheques, payable to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, may be sent to the Senior Officer at The Mountaineering Council of Scotland, The Old Granary, West Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5QP.