Energy firm SSE has confirmed it has acquired the Dunmaglass wind farm project.

The scheme, which was opposed by conservationists, will see 33 turbines constructed along the Monadhliath hills, about 20 miles south of Inverness.

The developers of the project, RES, was originally granted planning consent by the Scottish Government in 2010.

SSE is understood to have invested £200m in the project. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with a completion date of early 2016. This would mean the scheme would able to qualify for support through the renewables obligation certificate regime, the government initiative that guarantees prices paid for electricity generated by alternative sources.

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When it was approved, the government said the farm could generate electricity for up to 46,000 homes, and SSE has since said tests had shown that the scheme would benefit from "exceptional" wind conditions.

Jim Smith, Managing Director of Renewables at SSE, said: "We have said that we will pursue both acquisitions and disposals in order to optimise our wind farm portfolio in the UK, and this acquisition of Dunmaglass wind farm is completely in line with that objective.

"Dunmaglass is a well-designed project which benefits from an excellent wind resource compared to typical onshore sites.

"The construction timetable for the project fits well with our existing development portfolio and will enable us to optimise the use of existing resources and contracts."

RES started investigating the potential of the location back in 2000 and had planned for 36 turbines.

(JP/MH)