Plans to replace overhead power lines approved

Plans to replace 27 miles (43km) of overhead power lines in south-west Scotland have been approved by the Scottish government.

A public inquiry was held into the Kendoon to Tongland scheme in Dumfries and Galloway which received nearly 1,000 objections.

Scottish government reporters concluded that the project should be refused and would result in the loss of "irreplaceable woodland".

However, ministers ruled that while that was "regrettable" it was outweighed by the benefits in terms or replacing "end of life" infrastructure and security of electricity supply.

The network was constructed in the 1930s and is considered to be at the end of its life.

The original proposals by SP Energy Networks would have seen the network replaced from Ayrshire, through Dumfries and Galloway and into Cumbria.

Those were scaled back after it was decided they were no longer cost effective.

Opponents wanted to see the cables taken underground to reduce their environmental and tourism impact and a public inquiry was held.

Following the hearing, reporters recommended that the project should not proceed but the Scottish government has now decided that it can go ahead.