SSEN's 'monster pylon' plan across Aberdeenshire prompts farmers' tractor protest

Plans to build so-called “monster pylons” across Aberdeenshire to upgrade Scotland’s electrical network have been met with fresh opposition by farmers.

More than 20 tractors took to the roads between Crathes and Kintore to protest the proposals by SSEN Transmission.

Farmers who say new structures will damage their livelihoods and landscape took to the roads to show their opposition over the weekend.

Eileen West, from community group Deeside Against Pylons, said: “This is to heighten people’s awareness of what these pylons will do to the Scottish countryside.

“To our livelihoods, the farmer’s livelihoods to tourism, to our visual impact, it’s already affecting our mental health.

“This is just the start.”

Local community group Deeside Against Pylons organised the event, which saw farmers drive their tractors along part of the proposed Tealing to Kintore route cheered on by local residents.

Campaigners have hit out over plans for new power lines STV News

The section is part of SSEN Transmission’s £20bn plan to run new overhead power lines from Angus to Spittal in Caithness.

New lines would be carried on pylons at least a third taller than those on the existing network and would carry power due to be generated from new wind farms to meet net zero targets.

A spokesperson from SSEN Transmission said: “The Kintore-Tealing 400kV overhead line project is part of a Great Britain wide upgrade of the electricity transmission network that is required to deliver energy security and net zero.

“We are committed to work with all stakeholders to minimise and mitigate environmental, community and land use impacts.”

But those behind the weekend’s protest say plans must be completely re-thought, not just for their area – but across Scotland.

Eileen added: “We’re for renewables and green energy, we’re not net zero deniers, but this is not the way to do it, using 1920s technology.”

SSEN say undergrounding is at least five times more expensive than overhead lines – and that Scotland’s terrain can make this difficult.

Deeside Against Pylons, and other community groups affected by the proposals across Scotland, are planning to take their concerns to the Scottish Parliament in May.