ScottishPower has received approval from the Scottish Government for its plans to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts of the Beauly - Denny overhead line in certain locations within the Stirling area.  In total, with the Scottish Government’s request for the additional measures, the total expenditure on mitigation for the Beauly to Denny power line upgrade by ScottishPower may be in excess of £35million.

The Company submitted its Stirling Visual Impact Mitigation Scheme to Scottish Ministers for approval in August following its earlier consent for the overhead line.

The submitted scheme, which included proposals to undertake extensive screen planting as well as hard and soft landscaping works and undergrounding of 4.6km of existing distribution overhead lines, have now been approved by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government has requested that ScottishPower also undertakes additional measures in the form of undergrounding the existing 132kV overhead line between Fallin and Glenbervie and the development of proposals for other improvements to the general landscape in the Stirling area and in particular the Area of Great Landscape Value and south west of Plean, possibly delivered through the Central Scotland Green Network.  The Company will now move forward within the regulatory framework to deliver the additional recommendations. 

Frank Mitchell CEO ScottishPower Energy Networks said; “The Beauly to Denny power line upgrade is a critical project.  It is essential not only to help Scotland realise its renewable energy potential but in its contribution to the UK's carbon reduction targets.

“ScottishPower looks forward to delivering this project of national importance after 10 years of development and will continue to work closely with all communities and stakeholders during the construction process”.

The Company will also now make an early approach to Ofgem for approval of all the costs associated with the Beauly to Denny power line upgrade, which may now include cumulatively in excess of £35 million for mitigation costs. Work on the ScottishPower section of the line upgrade is planned to start next year creating opportunities for employment and supply chain contracts across Scotland.

Mr Mitchell added; “We have a responsibility to all our customers to deliver the best economic solution that is right for our future energy demands and the environment”.

Media information: Simon McMillan - 0141 566 4875 / 07753 622 257

Notes to Editors:

ScottishPower has been involved in the development of the Beauly Denny project since 2003.  The application for section 37 consent was lodged in September 2005 and following a year long Public Inquiry throughout