The Beauly - Denny power line upgrade has been approved.

The upgrade will boost grid capacity along the line and unlock Scotland's onshore and offshore renewables potential.

Extensive conditions have been imposed to protect the interests of communities and minimise the impact on the environment along the line.

Energy Minister Jim Mather told Parliament of his decision today.

He said: "The Beauly - Denny upgrade is the most significant grid infrastructure project in a generation.

"Scotland's electricity network needs significant reinforcement to allow our vast renewables potential to be harnessed, transmitted and exported - currently we simply do not have the transmission capacity to carry the green energy which Scotland will generate over the coming years.

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"I have considered the applications, the detailed and extensive submissions made and I have studied the findings of the Reporters and their consideration of the issues raised. I want to pay tribute to the organisations, groups and individuals who contributed to the Public Inquiry - input which has been crucial in shaping the Report and my decision."

Mr Mather noted that the Reporters recognised the pressing need to reinforce the electricity grid and found a compelling justification for the Beauly - Denny upgrade. "There are very strong arguments for a whole line solution and I have therefore granted consent to upgrade this power line which will be key to unlocking Scotland's renewables potential.

"In reaching my decision, I have balanced the macro-economic need and benefits of the upgrade of the existing line and the visual and landscape impact at locations along the whole route," he added.

The approval is subject to a detailed and comprehensive range of conditions to protect the vital interests of communities, the environment, cultural heritage and the tourism sector.

The existing overhead line will be dismantled. The replacement line will have a quarter fewer pylons.

Over 86 kilometres of associated wirescape feeding in to the line can be removed or improved. Further measures are to be made to mitigate as far as possible the visual impact of the line in three separate areas - the Stirling area, near Plean and near Crieff.

(GK/BMcC)