Pylons up to 61m to straddle Ettrick & Yarrow valleys
Added at 12:28 on 18 November 2024
Concern is being expressed about the plans by SPEN (Scottish Power Energy Network) to create a new power line, connecting an electrical substation in Galashiels to a similar one south of Hawick using metal pylons, 50- 61 metres tall. The pylons would take a route going west of Galashiels, and then progressing roughly south across both the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys.
Consultation has started, including public meetings in village halls in the valleys, with residents expressing concern about the effect that these large pylons, planned to be 200-300 metres apart, would have on the valleys, both aesthetically and practically. SPEN’s pylon route would connect power generation in Scotland to distribution in England, via new substations, by Galashiels and to the south of Hawick, and a nearly 50 mile route to a point at the Scotland - England border.
At one of the recent consultation meetings, it was revealed that some compensation will be available, and suggestions were invited for how this should be allocated. The most popular suggestion was to use the money to run the Ettrick & Yarrow section of the line underground, although this is estimated to be four times more expensive. Scottish Power is a subsidiary of Spanish utility firm Iberdrola. An action group has been formed - Ettrick & Yarrow Valleys Pylon Action Group.
The period for the first round consultation has been extended to the end of November, with a second round intended for 2026. The project website is at:
www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/ cross_border_connection.aspx
Comments can be made by phone on 0203 861 3742 or by email at:
info@crossborderconnection.co.uk
Residents are being encouraged to fill in the Feedback Form at: https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/ cross_border_feedback_form.aspx