Plans for a new £400m transmission line which would run from Beauly to Denny is expected to be granted approval from the Scottish Government, it has been reported.

According to BBC Scotland 600 pylons, up to 200ft in height, would be required to connect renewable power projects in the Highlands to the national grid.

The plan to upgrade the power line to allow it to carry 400,000 volts (400kV) has been the subject of a public inquiry since February and more than 18,000 objections have been lodged.

Conditions are likely to be attached to the go-ahead.

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Opinion is split between environmentalists and green energy advocates.

Dennis Canavan, former MSP and current president of Ramblers Association Scotland, told BBC Scotland's Politics Show: "If it does get the go-ahead then it will be an unacceptable act of vandalism.

"In Scotland we're very blessed, we've got some of the most scenic countryside in the world. It's a national asset, it's something that we should be looking after not just for ourselves but for future generations."

However Labour's leader at Holyrood, Iain Gray MSP, said: "We want to see this upgrade go ahead as quickly as possible and it is disappointing that the SNP have taken far too long to make their mind up.

"Scotland needs a government that will take much bolder action in order to boost our renewable energy sector and tackle climate change emissions."

The Scottish Government have vowed to make a decision on the power line taking into account all relevant factors before the end of the year.

(GK/BMcC)