Villagers object to sub-sea cable

The upgraded Beauly to Denny power line is the subject of a inquiry

Residents in Gravir on the Isle of Lewis have voted against proposals for a sub-sea electric cable to make landfall near their village.

The cable's location on the mainland is being investigated as part of a public inquiry into plans to upgrade the Beauly to Denny power line.

In a secret ballot, 44 out of 58 respondents opposed the Gravir plan.

The sub-sea cable would allow electricity from wind farms on the isles to reach the mainland.

The public inquiry into plans for the 137-mile (220km) power line through the Scottish countryside has begun.

It follows years of controversy over the proposals for 600 pylons, which would be up to 65m (213ft) tall.

One million homes

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) said the existing power line from north to central Scotland must be replaced.

It has expressed hope that the plans would eventually be approved by ministers.

The power company said the £320m development was needed for the reliable transmission of electricity from renewable sources from the north of Scotland, which would be enough to power one million homes.

However, the proposals, which would see pylons erected in some of Scotland's most picturesque locations, including the Cairngorms National Park and the Southern Highlands, have attracted fierce opposition since being announced in 2005.

More than 17,000 objections have been received by the Scottish Executive so far, including concerns raised by local authorities through which the power line would pass.

Conservation body Scottish Natural Heritage has also voiced opposition.