Following the Scottish Government’s approval of the new 440kv power line, from Beauly to Denny, Stirling Council has taken a decision to establish a Steering Group.

It will comprise four Elected Members, one from each political party, and to invite three members of the public to assist in the consideration of mitigation measures and construction related matters, as the power line project is developed.

The Steering Group will oversee consultations with the communities, interest groups, key stakeholders, the power companies and Scottish Ministers, and will consider matters of visual intrusion, health, community and environmental impacts of the proposed power line.

Following a recruitment process, the Steering Group has appointed three local residents to join the Group.

Tommy Brookes is Chair of Plean Community Council and a member of Plean Community Trust. Tommy has been active in raising the public interest from the outset of public discussions on the power line and has represented the eastern villages at the Public Inquiry.

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Dr David Nicol, from Bridge of Allan, has 20 years experience of working in electricity transmission matters. David currently works as a self-employed consultant in the electricity and water sectors and will bring to the Group a detailed understanding of the industry.

The third member is Peter Pearson from Logie. Peter was a founding member and is currently Secretary of Stirling Before Pylons. He has been involved in developing SBP’s case against the powerline and in presenting this to politicians and the media. He presented evidence to the Public Inquiry and continues to lobby on the case for under grounding of the route through Stirling.

Chair of the Steering Group, Councillor Callum Campbell, said: "The Steering Group comprises committed individuals with wide ranging skills, knowledge and experience, who will work collectively to represent the interests of our communities to ensure that all is done to mitigate the impact of the power line as it passes through the Council area.

"The Steering Group will be embarking on a consultation process with all affected communities over the coming months.”

The proposed power line passes through the district of Stirling, extending 22km from north of Kinbuck to south of Plean; over Sheriffmuir, through Logie and skirting the eastern villages of Fallin, Cowie and Plean.

(GK)