ScottishPower is pleased that the Secretary of State has approved its application for a new power line in South Ayrshire without the need for undergrounding. The line is an essential part of the project to link Northern Irelands electricity network to the GB system.

The decision corresponds to the advice of the Scottish Office's own Reporter that ScottishPower's proposals provide the best solution both commercially and environmentally. The link, now expected to be commissioned in the year 2000 subject to the timing of planning permission for the Northern Ireland converter station, will provide a valuable contribution to the Scottish economy.

Alan Richardson, Managing Director of Power Systems, said: "The interconnector will allow Northern Ireland Electricity's customers access to competitively priced electricity and simultaneously boost the demand for Scottish Coal."

"We are now looking forward to starting work on this project as soon as possible."

Further Information:
Sue Clark,                 Director of Corporate Affairs       0141 248 8200