Plans to erect a 10-metre high phone mast in the Highlands have been objected to by mountaineers.

Mountaineering Scotland is calling on the council to reject proposals by telecomms company EE to install the structure in Glen Etive.

The phone mast is planned to be installed next to the road down Glen Etivie, near the southern end of Buachaille Etive Mor.

However, Mountaineering Scotland said the mast and its ancillary structures would be "visually intrusive" to the landscape, arguing the largely unspoilt landscape and visitor experience would be compromised.

David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, said: "Glen Etive is an iconic, beautiful glen within a National Scenic Area: one which offers visitors a fantastic experience of the true wild nature of Scotland's mountains.

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"The mast and infrastructure would render some views utterly ordinary.

"The proposal is simply unacceptable and is a poor example of a developer seeking an expedient solution. We would expect EE and their parent BT Group to exercise better judgement of the true value of Scotland's landscape, as an asset to be enjoyed by many, not exploited for a quick fix solution. We ask them withdraw the proposal and think again."

An EE spokesperson said: "We are in the early stages of planning for Glen Etive and the surrounding area, and are already considering other options to ensure that we minimise the impact on the outstanding scenery and environment.

"Providing mobile coverage in Glen Etive is critical for search and rescue, the new Emergency Services Network and visitors to the area, and we welcome the feedback from Mountaineering Scotland and other parties as we develop our plans for providing mobile coverage in the area."

(LM)