FIVE quarries look set to be excavated as an energy giant looks to install new power lines between New Cumnock, Sanquhar and Carsphairn.

Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) are seeking to use the stone to build access tracks that would allow them to install the overhead power lines.

The firm claim that the quarries are required to support work on the South West of Scotland Connection project.

A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: “We are seeking to extract rock from five quarries to support work on the South West Scotland Connection project. Using locally sourced rock means that we can keep road traffic to a minimum, as we are not importing rock over long distances by road.

“Detailed planning and consultation for the overall South West Scotland Connection project started in 2007, and following planning consent in December 2012, work started on Part A of the project last year. Construction of the towers for the new overhead line is now well advanced. The new overhead line leaves Coylton Substation and travels in a southerly direction for approximately 14 km where it will connect to the new Substation at Meikle Hill called New Cumnock Substation. All work has been carefully planned to minimise any disruption.” East Ayrshire Council received a planning application proposing a quarry at Black Hill Quarry, New Cumnock back in April.

Dumfries and Galloway Council received a planning application back in May for the formation of a quarry and the erection of offices and mess room, siting of storage container and associated works at Well Hill near Sanquhar as well as at Gallow Rig Quarry 2.35Km west of the Afton reservoir, White Hill Quarry, north Of Carsphairn and Brownhill Rig Quarry in Carsphairn.