THE CONTROVERSIAL plans by Scottish Hydro Electric to march 600 massive pylons across the landscape from Beauly to Denny have suffered a knockback delivered by both Highland Council and Perth & Kinross Council. As a result, the proposals now face a public enquiry and a delay of a year - possibly longer.

Cairngorms Revolt Against Pylons has led a vociferous campiagn for a public enquiry into the powerline plans to be run on 67 metre high pylons rather than buried underground. The group claims that the 400,000 volt line threatens health, landscape, tourism, wildlife and property values. A spokesman welcomed the two councils' decision: "At last councillors are listeneing to public opinion. This is exactly what we wanted," he said.

Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham, welcoming the news, said: "I very much hope that Stirling Council will noe follow suit and hope the Scottish Executive will soon announce plans for a public inquiry...I have particular concerns, for example, on the visual impact on the Sma' Glen."