Mick Ratman, chairman of the Guild of Location Managers, has added his voice to the opposition against plans for the 400kV overhead power line from Beauly to Denny, it emerged this week at the public inquiry.

Trish Shorthouse, of the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission, told the inquiry she had discussed the scheme's possible impact with Mr Ratman of the UK-based Guild whose members comprise location managers working in the film, stills, advertising and event industries.

In a statement Mr Ratman said: "Only in a third world country would anyone contemplate erecting structures in an area of unique beauty."

Ms Shorthouse, who was speaking during the Inverness session, insisted the construction of pylons up to 65 metres high by developers Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) would be "an unmitigated disaster" for the Highland film industry. She explained filming did not just include fixed locations on the ground but also aerial shots. Citing the 2002 film "Dog Soldiers, which included aerial shots in Glen Affric, she said: "It was absolutely important there were no unnatural obstacles on the landscape."

Ms Shorthouse also challenged the conclusions put forward by SSE's landscape architect about the visual and landscape impact of the pylons and maintained that 17 out of 21 key film locations in the Beauly to Cannich area would be affected. She stressed that perception was significant in attracting film production.

"It would not be the landscape architect involved in scouting for locations — it would be the locations manager and someone with an entirely different view of the landscape," Ms Shorthouse explained.

"It is not actually a question of whether it is a moderate or slight view of the pylons on the landscape. It is the fact there is a view of the structure on the landscape which would deter a film crew or company from using the location."

Whether it was a film company from London or Glasgow, there was a huge job to be done in terms of perception.

"It is a bit like the stock market," Ms Shorthouse explained.

"It is a very small industry in the UK. A lot goes on by word of mouth.

"If word is such that large structures are going up in the Highlands it becomes very difficult for someone like me to do my job without an extra amount of resources to convince people we are not damaging the scenery. Like the stock market, it drives down confidence and drives away business."

Ms Shorthouse said a good film facilities base was also vital.

"Inverness is one of those major bases from an accommodation point of view," she said. "Locations within one hour are vitally important. If we restrict the number of locations possible for all types of filming, whether international or UK, it restricts the choices we have to offer to film makers."

Referring to current filming of Maid of Honour on the west coast, she said it had taken three months to find accommodation for a 400-strong crew.

During cross examination, Marcus McKay of SSE pointed out that under the proposals, the existing 132kV power line would be dismantled and could open other areas for filming.

"It is not all bad news, would you not accept that?" he asked.

Ms Shorthouse retorted: "No. I would not accept that. In terms of filming it is an unmitigated disaster."

v.sweeney@inverness-courier.co.uk

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