FALLOUT from the Scottish Government’s ‘utterly shameful’ decision to approve a new pylon scheme in Galloway continues.
The Kendoon to Tongland scheme was given the green light at a public inquiry earlier this month despite hundreds of objections from residents and the government’s own Reporters recommending refusal. Since the scheme’s approval residents and politicians have unleashed a barrage of criticism which has reached the halls of Holyrood.
Speaking at First Minister’s questions last Thursday, Galloway and West MSP Finlay Carson described the move as yet another example of rural Scotland carrying a disproportionate weight of delivering net zero.
He said: “Can the First Minister justify the decision to approve SPEN’s plan for this major power line through an area of outstanding beauty, despite the public inquiry, reporter’s recommendation and overwhelming local opposition – and explain how this aligns with the Scottish Government’s commitment to promoting Galloway’s environmental assets, and its possible designation as a National Park?”
In his response, the First Minister John Swinney admitted that he understood the points that Mr Carson had raised but defended the decision, insisting the move had been taken on national interests rather than the huge opposition voiced by communities who are against the plan.
The First Minister responded: “What the government has got to be mindful of is the need to take decisions that will ensure we have sufficiently strong and robust power networks to meet the needs of the population in every part of Scotland and that’s the process of discussion and dialogue that the government is engaged with.
“We obviously engage substantively with communities, with local authorities on these questions, but difficult decisions have to be arrived at and taken, ensuring, that we have adequate energy security and the appropriate infrastructure within our country.”
However Mr Carson later disputed the First Minister’s answer, insisting that the Government had ignored the strong public opinion. He added: “As I have maintained from the outset, Scottish Ministers have demonstrated a complete disregard to the views of the people in Galloway who had called for alternative options to be considered including burying the power lines underground. We need to be clear that my constituents and I understand the need for power transmission infrastructure, but in 2025 we should be looking a new methods
“I am sure the First Minister’s response will do little to appease many of my constituents’ anger and frustration that they are being simply ignored and ridden rough-shot over.”
