Highland MP calls for public inquiry into controversial Beauly to Caithness powerline plans

A Highland MP is calling for a public inquiry into the controversial plans for an overhead power line between Beauly and Caithness.

Jamie Stone, Lib Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister Humza Yousaf saying he has received “strong representations from a large number of constituents” on the issue. He argues that an inquiry should be funded jointly by the UK and Scottish governments.

SSEN Transmission has faced a backlash over its plans for a 400kV line between Spittal in Caithness and Beauly in Inverness-shire, which include new substations.

Mr Stone said: “I have two major questions that need answering. Firstly, given that a subsea cable is already part of the proposal, why isn’t it planned to channel all power generated by far north onshore and offshore wind via subsea cable?

“Secondly, the proposals to generate hydrogen in the far north will need a large amount of electrical power. How does this fit in with the Scottish Government’s proposal to export a very great deal of wind-generated electricity to England?

“This is a major strategic issue for the whole of the UK and should be subject to the widest and most careful decision-making.

“I believe that only a full public inquiry – where all have an opportunity to contribute – will deliver this.”

Campaign group Communities B4 Power Companies (CB4PC) has accused energy bosses of trying to “industrialise the Highlands”.

Speaking as CB4PC launched a series of billboard adverts, campaigner Lyndsey Ward said: “We want the facts and figures, not just having it forced upon us. Show us the evidence we need this transmission because we have looked and we can’t find it.”

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