It follows revelations by The Inverness Courier that opponents were prevented from calling their expert witness who believes that the proposed scheme at Wester Balblair could cause a near five-fold increase in the risk of leukaemia and other health disorders to people living nearby.

John Farquhar Munro, Lib-Dem MSP for Ross, Skye and Inverness West, has submitted a strongly-worded motion to the parliament condemning the decision by the inquiry reporter to deny objectors the right to submit evidence about the damaging health effects of electro-magnetic radiation emitted from electricity sub-stations.

Other Highlands and Islands MSPs have also expressed disquiet about the decision. Jamie McGrigor, of the Conservative Party, pledged his support for Mr Munro's motion while the SNP's David Thompson described the decision as "unfortunate".

The proposed expansion is pivotal to contentious plans by energy giant Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) for a 400kV overhead electricity line from Beauly to Denny in Stirlingshire which have yet to be decided by Scottish ministers following a 10-month inquiry last year.

After Highland councillors rejected three separate applications for the expansion, a four-day hearing took place at the Lovat Arms Hotel in Beauly last month. But at the 11th hour, local residents were barred from calling Roger Coghill, a member of SAGE, the government's advisory body on electro-magnetic fields.

Inquiry reporter Richard Dent said Mr Coghill's submissions repeated evidence given to the strategy session of the Beauly-Denny inquiry, dealt with matters unrelated to the inquiry and questioned government policy.

Objectors' calls for a review of the inquiry have now been supported by Mr Munro who has submitted three questions plus a motion to the Scottish Parliament.

"I feel the community of Wester Balblair have been undermined and poorly treated by the reporter," he declared. "After going to the time and expense of hiring an expert, to have the evidence dismissed at the 11th hour is disjointing.

"This sort of behaviour reflects very badly on the inquiry and will leave many with the impression that the reporter has already reached a conclusion in favour of SSE. The community are right to call for a review of the reporter's actions and I will support them in their call to do so."

Mr McGrigor also felt the community's views had been overlooked. "I think it is absolutely appalling," he said. "Why did the inquiry not want to listen to Mr Coghill? It appears they have ridden roughshold over everyone's feelings, particularly those who are going to be affected in the community."

Mr McGrigor, who attended a Kilmorack Community Council meeting prior to the inquiry, has also written to the reporter voicing various concerns about the impact of the proposals. He believed that before any expansion took place, the evidence about the health risks associated with electro-magnetic fields should be investigated in depth.

Mr Thompson said it would have been better had Dr Coghill been allowed to present his evidence. "By not allowing him to speak on the basis these issues had been covered before, it really gives the impression the reporter doesn't want to hear certain information," he said.

A Scottish Government spokesman said the decision on Wester Balblair would be associated with the decision on the Beauly-Denny overhead line. "Reporters aim to submit their report on the Beauly-Denny line to ministers this year," he said.

v.sweeney@inverness-courier.co.uk 

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