New court battle in pylons row

THE legal battle against a controversial pylons scheme in Galloway is heading back to court amid a new motion. Pressure group Galloway Without Pylons (GWP) has been fighting against the Kendoon to Tongland scheme since it was given the green light at a public inquiry last year, despite hundreds of objections from residents and even the government reporters recommending refusal. The 27-mile long pylon scheme will stretch from the Kendoon substation, through Galloway Forest Park to the Tongland substation near Kirkcudbright. GWP appealed the decision in the Court of Session, but a judge ruled in March that they had failed to identify any evidence or representations which it claimed had been overlooked. Now the group have filed a new motion with the court and is appealing for support from the wider community.

A spokesperson said: “We are appealing the decision of the Judicial Review and have acquired the services of James Findlay KC. This is going to cost around £30,000 so we are asking other groups that are fighting pylons, solar, battery storage and windfarms to consider making a donation. “This is a very important case in Scottish law and would have significant repercussions if we win. The Public Inquiry which lasted over six weeks was extremely thorough, the Reporters recommended rejection of the KTR application and then the Scottish Ministers overturned it. “It is in so many people’s interest that we win this case and then future court cases will be able to cite GWP v ScMinisters as a reference.”