A COUNCILLOR says she had no choice but to vote against an energy application which would 'sacrifice' local villages.

But the final decision for South West Scotland Renewables Connections Project whether or not the proposals get the go-ahead still rests with Scottish Ministers.

Back in October Cllr Elaine Dinwoodie described the proposals for the energy plan as 'scandalous'.

The Project aims to connect wind farms and build new infrastructure to collect and return energy back to the national grid. The proposals stretch from Coylton substation and include a proposed substation at Meikle Hill, near Dalmellington, a proposed substation at Black Hill, connections with Kyle Windfarm and lines down through Dumfries and Galloway. An area the size of 546 football pitches would need to be cleared to make way for the plan creating a 'significant' volume of traffic through villages including Dalmellington, Patna and New Cumnock - delaying drivers for three years.