Home / Environment / Scotland power line ruling: Campaigners lose challenge
Scotland power line ruling: Campaigners lose challenge
11 Mar
Summary
- Legal challenge against new power lines in southern Scotland failed.
- A judge found no overlooked evidence in the government's decision.
- Project aims to replace an 80-year-old power line network.
A legal challenge by the group Galloway Without Pylons (GWP) against plans for new overhead power lines in southern Scotland has been unsuccessful. The Scottish government had approved the 27-mile (43km) project between Kendoon and Tongland in February 2025. GWP argued that the government's decision letter inadequately explained why it disregarded recommendations from a public inquiry.
However, Lord Lake ruled that GWP failed to identify any specific evidence or representations that were supposedly overlooked. The judge stated that determining the weight given to the need for the development was a critical decision. The court found that the ministers' decision was based on a balancing exercise where the development's necessity was not reduced as suggested by the reporters.
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) welcomed the court's decision, emphasizing that the Kendoon to Tongland project will replace an over 80-year-old line. This upgrade is expected to improve the security of electricity supply for approximately 30,000 residents, including essential facilities like hospitals and schools. The project also aims to enhance Scotland's energy security and facilitate the connection of more green electricity to the grid.
