Campaigners call for decision on controversial Dumfries and Galloway pylon plans

A campaign group is urging the Scottish Government to make a speedy determination on a controversial overhead pylon line through the heart of the Stewartry.

Galloway Without Pylons led opposition to SP Energy Networks’ Kendoon-Tongland Reinforcement (KTR) project at a protracted public inquiry at Kirkcubright and Castle Douglas held over 2022 and
2023.

Reporter Katrina Rice took evidence from all interested parties for more than a year in order to inform her findings.

Her final report was submitted to Scottish Ministers on February 7 – but as yet no decision has been announced.

Now GWP coordinator Paul Swift is calling for a swift conclusion to a saga which has taken years to reach the finish line.

He told the News: “The ministers have had the report for some time.

“We are hoping for a quick resolution – and I would think SPEN do as well.

“Obviously we hope it is thrown out, which would mean either the line is put underground or installed on the existing pylon route.”

Throughout the process, GWP accepted that upgrades to the local electricity network are needed.

But it argued that building more than 100 pylons from Glenlee through Laurieston Forest and other scenic areas would blight the landscape and environment.

Instead, it recommended the cabling should either be buried or, if replacement pylons were the choice, that they should follow the existing line of towers east of Loch Ken, which would be dismantled.

For its part, SPEN said the KTR project was a key part of improving its infrastructure in the south-west and that undergrounding would not be cost effective.

Asked to indicate when a decision was likely to be made, the Scottish Government would not be drawn.

A spokesperson said: “Scottish Ministers have received the Kendoon to Tongland reinforcement project Public Local Inquiry report, which is now being
considered.

“A decision will be made in due course and the report will be published alongside the determination.”

The public inquiry process ran into controversy last July when the Scottish Government vetoed publication of SP Energy Networks’ closing submission because, it stated, some comments “may be liable to cause offence”.

That prompted Mr Swift to accuse SPEN of issuing a false statement relating to undertakings he gave to the reporter.

SP Energy Networks responded that its closing submissions “fully reflect its understanding of the events at inquiry.”