CONSERVATIONISTS have raised concerns that tracks cut into hills to build a controversial power line, which were supposed to be temporary, are becoming permanent scars on the landscape.

They say that, although the Scottish Government's planning permission for the 137-mile Beauly/Denny line was on the basis these "temporary tracks be removed", all landowners need to do to make them permanent is to apply to the local council.

Around 60 roads covering almost 100 miles could be involved.

There are already three ­applications to Highland Council. They have been called in by Cairngorms National Park Authority as they are within its boundaries.

Another two are awaiting the attention of Perth and Kinross Council. One is from Glengoulandie Estate on the foothills of ­Highland Perthshire's famous mountain Schiehallion.

Agents acting for the estate say: "The retention of the existing road/track network can be seen as vital to the ongoing Integrated Land Management of Glengoulandie (total area 1,199.4 hectares)."

Their submissions say the track, which is almost three miles long, would help the estate with forestry, upland and sporting interests.

A spokesman for Ben Alder Estate, near Dalwhinnie, said he would prefer not to comment.

However, Alasdair Findlay, who owns the nearby Ralia and Drumochter Estate, also in the national park, said a "two to three mile" track would help in getting shooting parties up on to the hill.

John Peter Thomas, a Trustee of the wild land charity the John Muir Trust, criticised the move.

Speaking in a personal capacity, he said: "When the Scottish Government approved the line it made it a condition that the temporary access tracks should be 'removed', its word not mine, once the line was completed because of the damage the tracks would do to the environment and scenery of the Highlands."

Helen Todd, Ramblers ­Scotland's campaigns and policy manager, said: "We were partially reassured that the planning conditions required the restoration of these temporary tracks after construction to keep impacts to the minimum, so we are now very concerned landowners along the route are applying to make these tracks into permanent features."

She called on the Scottish government to remind councils of these conditions, "otherwise any determined developer will get the message that certain conditions may be overturned at a later date."

A spokeswoman for SSE, the developer of the northern part of the Beauly/Denny line, admitted a condition of planning consent was that the tracks were removed.

She added: "However, if the landowner wants to apply to the relevant local for consent to keep a track, that is a matter between the landowner and the council."

A Scottish Government ­spokesman said any landowner wishing to retain temporary tracks was required to apply to the council for planning permission.

He added: "The local authority will consult with relevant parties and consider environmental, landscape and visual impact before making a decision."