Plans to remove a string of steel electricity pylons in the Cairngorm National Park are to be implemented later this year in a joint project between Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy.

The pylons, which stretch for approximately 33 miles, will be removed from between Boat of Garten and Cairnmore, to allow Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) to create an upgraded Beauly to Denny electricity line.

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The company also plans to remove 25 miles of pylons in the park, running to the south of Aviemore, and replacing them with wooden poles or underground cables.

Pylons will also be removed and underground cables installed around Beauly and Whitebridge and near Amulree in Perthshire.

The new Beauly to Denny line, which will comprise of 650ft (200m) tall pylons along 130 miles, has attracted public opposition.

Some communities are angry about the impact the pylons will have on their local landscape, while others will actually benefit from the removal of existing pylons.

SSE said removing the pylons will have a positive effect, reducing the visual impact of the electricity grid in the Cairngorms National Park.

(JG/BMcC)