Fans of a BBC drama series have been rallying forces to protest about proposed plans to build power lines across a stretch of Scottish countryside. The countryside in question just happens to be the same as featured in hit TV show Monarch of the Glen, and the protesters are not just locals but people from as far off as Australia and America. The forum on the programmes fan site is buzzing with chat over Scottish & Southern Energy's plans to double the size of the pylons on the land near Loch Laggan, which is the home of the fictional TV show which ended several years ago.
[via The Observer]
At it's peak Monarch of the Glen was shown in over 100 countries across the world, and is one of America's top TV imports. The show's fans are rallying behind the local campaign group Cairngorms Revolt Against Pylons (CRAP), who are hoping to stop the upgrading of pylons which run from Beauly (near Inverness) to Denny (in Stirlingshire).
Rhoderick Noble, Factor [manager] of Ardverikie Estate, which provided the fictional setting for Glenbogle, is an active member of Crap. He said he was 'delighted' with the support for the campaign from stars of the show and the rest of the world.
'Susan Hampshire's been very supportive, as has the rest of the group,' he said. 'Douglas Rae, the producer, said that if the pylons had been in place the show couldn't have been made because they would generate 400,000 volts, which is too much for filming as it would cause interference. Imagine if the Monarch of the Glen hadn't gone ahead and what that would mean to the local economy.
'The support from the website has been overwhelming. It just shows that the issue affects everyone who comes to and lives in Scotland. The overseas support tends to follow the pattern of where the show has been successful, so in addition to the magnificent support we receive from America, we receive messages from Australia and Norway.'
Scottish & Southern Energy say the upgrade to the existing pylons is just a case of supply and demand. They are looking to increase the current 132,000 volt pylons to 400,000 volts.
'There are people constantly wanting to connect to our energy transmission network,' said a spokeswoman. 'There are those who are looking at alternatives like wind power, but most members of the public and companies want to connect to our system. If it's not upgraded, there won't be enough capacity to take on these new customers.'
The public enquiry is likely to finish early next year, and it's recommendations will be passed to Scottish Ministers for their final decision.
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