Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has said it will continue to object plans for a 47-turbine wind farm near Strathy, Sutherland.

The SNH has said it is concerned over potential impacts the proposed development could have on bird species, such as the hen harrier, red-throated diver and golden eagle, during the breeding season.

The organisation has asked for seven turbines to be removed from the proposals due to likely impacts on black throated diver and wood sandpiper. It has also asked the developer, Scottish and Southern Energy, for further information needed to assess the impacts on internationally important blanket bog habitat and bird species, as this could lead to the need to remove more turbines from the plans.

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Dave Mackay, SNH's area operations manager said: "Renewable energy can help tackle the effects of climate change. Our role is to provide information and advice to help decision makers balance the needs of the industry with those of nature and landscape, and get the right developments in the right places.

"We have given advice to the Scottish Government on this case since 2007. In light of the potential negative impacts on both habitats and species of international importance, we are maintaining our objection.

"In the meantime we are continuing to talk with the developer about issues where we need further information before we can fully assess this proposal."

(JP/CD)