An SEE subsidiary has responded to the publication of an aerial photograph highlighting landscape damage caused by its upgrade programme.

The above photograph, taken by a Highlands-based photographer, shows the project track for contractors working on the Beauly to Denny power line in the Drumochter Pass.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland criticised the "visual intrusion" caused by the access track, following on from previous campaigns against hill tracks.

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But the SSE said the track was temporary, and vowed to restore the land after the work was complete.

SSE subsidiary, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Ltd, said it recognised the Drumochter track had a "temporary visual impact".

The spokesperson said: "It has always been our intention to remove the temporary access tracks, permitted within the consent of the Beauly to Denny project, once construction work is complete.

"This is included in our restoration plan for the Drumochter hills area, which has been approved by Scottish Natural Heritage.

"We acknowledge the temporary visual impact of the tracks but are fully committed to restoring the landscape back to its former condition."

(NE)