Thousands could lose electricity if Dalkeith tower and power lines have to be removed

ScottishPower Distribution (SPD) has applied to Ministers for a necessary way leave to be placed on the apparatus which crosses Cauldcoats, Dalkeith, after the landowner served notice for its removal. And they said that the impact of removing the tower and associated lines would mean 10,000 to 15,000 customers would be left without electricity unless they could find an alternative.

Appealing to Scottish Ministers for the necessary way leave, which would allow the lines and equipment to remain for up to 40 years, SPD said: “The apparatus is part of an electrical circuit which provides a secure and reliable supply of electricity to 10,000-15,000 customers. Its removal without any replacement would leave these customers without an electrical supply.

“Removal would also have an adverse effect on security of supply in the wider network and prolong the time needed to restore supply in the event of a fault.”

SPD said that the lines and apparatus had been on the land under a voluntary way leave agreed between South of Scotland Electricity Board and then landowner Donald Laird in February 1977. However, they said a subsequent change in ownership of the land meant the way leave had ceased to be binding and in January this year they received a Notice to Remove the apparatus from the land from agents of current landowner Paladin Ventures Limited.

The notice gave no explanation for the request.

SPD said the land in question had planning permission in principle for a residential development and primary school but no documents to date “refer to the removal of the SPD apparatus”.

The Scottish Government has the power to grant a necessary way leave to give a statutory right to electricity companies to keep their lines and equipment on land and retain access to it.