Protesters from across the Scottish Borders are vehemently opposing plans for the construction of massive pylons to carry wind farm-generated electricity into England. The proposed project, part of a £58bn national grid upgrade, is drawing sharp criticism from local communities who are concerned about the environmental and visual impact of these towering structures.
The Pylon Plans: A 50-Mile Route
Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) has announced plans to connect a new electricity substation near Lauder, Scotland, with existing overhead lines near Carlisle, England, via a series of 60-meter (197-foot) steel pylons. These giant structures would be positioned every 200 meters along a 50-mile stretch of the Scottish Borders, running through some of the region’s most scenic and unspoiled landscapes.
Growing Opposition from Local Communities
Residents in rural areas along the proposed route are voicing strong concerns over the pylons, which they fear will spoil the natural beauty of the region. Dozens of protest groups have emerged to challenge SPEN’s plan, highlighting the disruption the pylons would cause to both the landscape and local wildlife.
Edward Kello, a resident of Lauder, emphasized his frustration with the proposal, stating, “I feel very strongly about the climate crisis and the need for renewable energy, but this is such a crude way of sending energy to the south.”
Environmental and Visual Concerns
Among the most vocal critics are those living near the affected areas. Rosi Lister, an author and filmmaker, and her partner, Anthony James, relocated to a remote farmhouse near Hawick just last year. They were horrified to discover that their property would be situated near both a new substation and the planned overhead lines. Lister explained, “We moved here because of the views, but there’s pylons, the substation, and a wind farm on the way.”
Douglas Walker, a resident of Ettrickbridge, shares similar concerns. He argues that the project isn’t driven by Scotland’s need to meet net-zero goals but rather to supply electricity to England. “The Yarrow and Ettrick valleys are some of the most unspoilt areas in the country,” he said. “We are all very concerned about these proposals.”
The Cross Border Connection and the Bigger Picture
The Cross Border Connection is part of a larger initiative to strengthen the UK’s electricity network by upgrading connections between Scotland and England. The £58bn investment aims to facilitate the transfer of renewable energy from Scotland to the rest of the UK, helping to meet the country’s green energy targets. The pylons would form a vital part of this system, linking onshore renewable energy sources from regions such as Aberdeenshire, Tayside, and the central belt of Scotland with power lines in Cumbria.
SPEN maintains that the project is necessary for a reliable and efficient electricity network. A company spokesperson stated, “The Cross Border Connection is vital to strengthen the UK’s electricity system,” adding that it will also allow for the reverse flow of nuclear and hydro power when needed.
Calls for Rethinking the Proposal
Despite the utility’s assurances, opposition continues to grow. Local MP John Lamont has been actively involved in voicing the concerns of his constituents. Lamont recently chaired a public meeting where protestors were given the opportunity to share their objections directly with SPEN managers. Lamont has called for alternative solutions, such as underground cables, to minimize the environmental and aesthetic impact of the pylons.
“There are huge concerns about these giant pylons,” Lamont said. “They need to investigate underground options rather than having these big pylons crossing some of the most historical and beautiful parts of the UK.”
Tensions Mount Over Future of the Borders
As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether SPEN will reconsider its plans. While the need for renewable energy infrastructure is undeniable, the proposed pylons are becoming a flashpoint for broader discussions on the environmental and social costs of large-scale infrastructure projects. With protests intensifying and community resistance growing, it is evident that the fight over these giant pylons is far from over.
