SP Energy Networks (SPEN) plan to replace 120 80-year-old pylons in the area by 2023, ranging from 25 to 35 metres each in height.
But politician Alister Jack said residents believe the “essential infrastructure project should be completed underground.”
He added: “It is a national project and so the final decision lies with the Scottish Government. I urge ministers to do the right thing and reject the overground proposal.”
“Our scenic areas, wildlife and natural habitats are amongst the region’s greatest assets and are important for both future tourism potential and for those of us who are lucky enough to live in the region.
“We are told the new power line is replacing 80 year old infrastructure, so additional costs associated with laying the new cable underground could be seen as a long-term investment which should show a return stretching far into the future.”
However, SPEN said laying the cable undeground would cost them an additional £95.96 million.
It added that the work is required to upgrade ageing power infrastructure, including increasing transmission capacity to service green energy sources such as windfarms.
