Pressure is mounting on the Scottish Government to make a decision on the controversial Beauly to Denny powerline.

It comes amid specualtion that ministers are poised to back the scheme.

The proposed Beauly to Denny line is a project that has split opinion in Scotland.

The highly controversial plans to erect 600 pylons, each 200ft high, between Inverness and Falkirk, were first lodged in 2005.

They prompted more than 18,000 objections and saw views divided between green energy supporters and environmental campaigners.

Backers, including Labour and the Green party, have said the scheme should be approved to help meet renweable energy committments.

However concerns have been raised over the impact on the landscape aswell as a lack of detail over alternative options.

A public inquiry report into the plans has been with SNP ministers since February.

The Scottish Government would not comment on the suggestions but a spokesman has said that a decision will be made before the end of this year taking into account all relevant factors.