Plans for a wind turbine, which would overlook the Highland home of Prince Charles has been approved by councillors.

According to The Scotsman, permission was granted for Barrogill Angus' bid to construct a turbine on his farm.

The farm is located adjacent to the Castle of Mey in Caithness, the late Queen Mother's former home.

The Highland Council rejected permission to build a turbine on the site two years ago while a subsequent appeal to the Scottish Government also failed.

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An amended application was then submitted and approved by the local authority's North Planning Committee earlier this week.

The farmer's new application was for a smaller, quieter and more powerful turbine. It is also nearer the castle than the previous application. The single 91-feet blade-tip height turbine will produce around 80kw when constructed and running.

The controversial project received more than 50 objections including one from Ashe Windham, the Chairman of the trust that runs the Castle of Mey.

It is understood the Earl of Caithness, Lady Jean Gilmour and Malcom Sinclair also objected against the proposals, but the committee heard that many of those against the scheme lived outside of Caithness.

Councillor Willie MacKay said: "For me it ticks all the boxes and is farm diversification on a very well run farm."

(JP/MH)