Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has launched a blistering attack on the Scottish Government over its decision to approve controversial plans to construct miles of new power pylons across the Galloway countryside.
He described the move as a “blatant disregard” for local opinion and vowed to raise the issue at the Scottish Parliament at the earliest opportunity.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP said: “This decision is both shocking and unwanted given the strong public opinion and opposition to this proposal.
“It demonstrates complete disrespect to the views of the people in Galloway who have been clear from the outset that they were seeking alternative options to pylons spoiling their beautiful countryside.
“Why did the Scottish Government ignore this as well as the decision by the public inquiry Reporter to refuse the application?
“For Scottish Ministers to simply over-rule that decision makes a complete mockery of holding a public inquiry in the first place. Was it simply a charade?”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP believes the decision sends a strong message to Rural Scotland – your views don’t actually matter!
He said: “It is quite clear that local opinion doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter what an independent public inquiry Reporter thinks, the Scottish Government is going to push on regardless.
“This isn’t democracy at work, it is just a box ticking exercise with Scottish Ministers not interested in what the local community thinks, pushing on whatever.
“I intend to raise this matter at Holyrood.
“Campaigners were right in demanding that certain sections of the power lines should be buried underground between Kendoon and Tongland
“Even the findings of the public inquiry recommended that the plan by SP Energy be refused on environmental grounds. But the Scottish Government is now simply riding rough-shot over this.”
