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Green attack on anti-pylon groups Green attack on anti-pylon groups
(about 23 hours later)
A Green MSP has hit back at campaigners opposed to the proposed new power line which would run from Beauly, south through Scotland to Denny.A Green MSP has hit back at campaigners opposed to the proposed new power line which would run from Beauly, south through Scotland to Denny.
Patrick Harvie said the new line was vital for the future of the renewable power industry.Patrick Harvie said the new line was vital for the future of the renewable power industry.
Campaigners want alternatives to erecting the large pylons which they say will damage the landscape.Campaigners want alternatives to erecting the large pylons which they say will damage the landscape.
But Mr Harvie told BBC Scotland: "Climate change remains the most startling threat to our landscapes."But Mr Harvie told BBC Scotland: "Climate change remains the most startling threat to our landscapes."
He went on: "Landscape issues are hugely important but in a recent Scottish environment link report, they argued that our landscapes matter to us emotionally because they contain the record of the successes and the failures of those who went before us. The plan for the £400m replacement transmission line between the Highlands and central Scotland has been put forward by Scottish and Southern Energy.
Mr Harvie said: "Landscape issues are hugely important but in a recent Scottish Environment Link report, they argued that our landscapes matter to us emotionally because they contain the record of the successes and the failures of those who went before us.
"And to me it's very clear that the landscapes we hand on, will either contain the record of the renewables industry and its successes or it will contain the record of our failure on climate change."And to me it's very clear that the landscapes we hand on, will either contain the record of the renewables industry and its successes or it will contain the record of our failure on climate change.
"Climate change remains the most startling threat to our landscapes, our biodiversity and to the people who inhabit those landscapes and enjoy them.""Climate change remains the most startling threat to our landscapes, our biodiversity and to the people who inhabit those landscapes and enjoy them."
'Difficult time'
He said there needed to be a positive decision on the new Beauly to Denny power line as soon as possible.He said there needed to be a positive decision on the new Beauly to Denny power line as soon as possible.
And he said there must not be too many conditions attached.And he said there must not be too many conditions attached.
Conditions warning
He added: "If we attach too many conditions we will get another five years of delay on this project.He added: "If we attach too many conditions we will get another five years of delay on this project.
"And what's that going to do for the confidence of those who are investing in marine renewables at the moment."And what's that going to do for the confidence of those who are investing in marine renewables at the moment.
"It's a difficult time for those people investing in marine renewables. They're not going to see payback for several years. If we extend that the industry will suffer hugely.""It's a difficult time for those people investing in marine renewables. They're not going to see payback for several years. If we extend that the industry will suffer hugely."
A decision on the controversial line is expected imminently, almost two years after the eleven month inquiry into the project finished. A decision on the controversial line is expected imminently, almost two years after the 11 month inquiry into the project finished.
The new line, which would carry 400 kilovolts, would replace the existing power line which carries 132kv.The new line, which would carry 400 kilovolts, would replace the existing power line which carries 132kv.
New renewable power projects in the Highlands and Islands will eventually be connected to the line.New renewable power projects in the Highlands and Islands will eventually be connected to the line.