I am a local resident deeply concerned about SSEN's 'favoured route' to construct 60m high mega-pylons through the beautiful Contin Woods beside Loch Kinellan, Strathpeffer. This area is not just a place for local folk to walk, it is a precious ecosystem teeming with life. The woods are home to old Scots pine, birch and larch trees that provide habitat for an array of wildlife including wildcats, osprey, long-eared owls and crossbills. The loch itself is stunning, surrounded by bull-rushes and reeds, and home to rare and striking Slavonian grebes which breed here.

As you climb above the loch, there are breath-taking, 360-degree views of the magical Conon peaks (our Misty Mountains!), impressive Ben Wyvis, the Cromarty Firth, the ancient Pictish stronghold of Knockfarrel, the Blackwater, Conon and Beauly river plains stretching south to the Inverness-shire mountains  - views that would be needlessly marred by towering pylons.

Contin Woods are renowned for their top-rated mountain bike trails attracting cyclists, including many younger folk, all year round and hosting the national Strathpuffer event.

SSEN's favoured construction route will cause irreversible damage to this nature site and our community woodlands simply because it’s the shortest route. However, there exists AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE acceptable to many locals that they could choose instead, identified thanks to the work of the Better Cable Route team and our Community Councils.

We understand the need for infrastructure development but not at needless cost to our environment and community. We urge SSEN to take account of local sentiment and environmental impact and re-route these pylons away from Loch Kinellan and Contin Woods.

Please sign this petition urging SSEN not only to preserve our natural heritage but also uphold community voices in decision-making processes concerning places we value.