Pylons would 'deflower' mountain

Schiehallion Mountain attracts up to 20,000 hillwalkers each year

Plans to upgrade a 137-mile power line would "deflower" one of Scotland's most iconic mountains, a leading conservation body has warned.

The John Muir Trust (JMT) will give evidence at the public inquiry into Scottish and Southern Energy's plans.

The JMT, which owns east Schiehallion, believes the pylons would disfigure the area around the hill, near Pitlochry.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) said it would make significant efforts to minimise the impact of the pylons.

It also claims that the upgrade is essential for exploiting the huge wind and wave potential of the Highlands and Islands.

It wants to build 600 pylons up to 65m (213ft) high to replace the existing transmission line from Beauly, near Inverness, to Denny, near Falkirk.

The power line would run from Beauly to Denny

The John Muir Trust is due to give evidence to the public inquiry into the proposals, which is currently sitting in Perth.

It says the current plans would see the pylons extending along the eastern slopes of the Perthshire mountain.

Director Nigel Hawkins will argue that the development would reduce the spectacular scenery around Schiehallion, known as the Fairy Mountain, to a wirescape of steel.

Speaking beforehand, he said: "If allowed to go ahead, it will deflower Schiehallion, degrade Scotland's image abroad and do untold damage to the tourist industry."

The John Muir Trust, which has owned east Schiehallion since 1999, estimates that up to 20,000 people use the recently-completed path on the mountain every year.

Mr Hawkins added: "We have invested heavily in the repair of the path to the summit of Schiehallion to return the mountain to its former beauty.

"Over £800,000 was raised from government bodies and the general public to enhance this iconic mountain in the very heart of Scotland."

A spokeswoman for SSE said the company would not comment on the claims while the public inquiry was ongoing.

However, its website said the proposed line did not encroach within any recognised National Scenic Areas.