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Controversial plans for a line of electricity pylons between the Highlands and Central Scotland will be the subject of a public inquiry.
The Beauly to Denny line, proposed by Scottish and Southern Energy, would see 600 pylons built on a 137-mile route.
The inquiry, due to begin in early 2007, was announced after a large number of objections to the plans.
Scottish and Southern Energy said the development was needed in order to meet green energy targets.
The line would allow renewable energy from proposed wind and wave projects in the north to be transmitted to the major population centres of central Scotland.
The announcement of the public inquiry by the Scottish Executive was welcomed by protesters against the pylons, the largest of which would be 65m high.
The four councils covering the area where they would be built – Perth and Kinross, Highland, Stirling and Falkirk – have all objected to the plans. A Scottish and Southern Energy spokesman said: “It is clear that if Scotland is going to meet its renewable targets then the Beauly to Denny line has to be upgraded.”
“But we are entering the democratic process and will see it through to its conclusion.”
Inquiry reporters appointed by Scottish ministers are planning to hold pre-inquiry meetings along the proposed route in October.
The inquiry’s findings are expected to be issued by the end of next year.