A planning application to build a 32-turbine wind farm near Bonar Bridge in the Highlands has been rejected.

Making a ruling on the matter on Thursday (22 August), Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said he was in agreement with the findings of the Public Local Inquiry Reporter which said the wind farm would create "unacceptable landscape and visual impacts" in the area.

The Highland Council had objected to Glenmorie Wind Farm LLP's application, saying it would impact on the local landscape and scenery.


In a statement, Minister Ewing said: "Scotland has enormous potential for renewable energy that is delivering jobs and investment across Scotland, and I am determined to ensure communities all over Scotland reap the benefits from renewable energy.

"We need a balanced approach in taking forward this policy and have to consider what impact any development would have on the local area. That is why I have refused permission for the proposed wind farm at Glenmorie, which would have had an unacceptable landscape and visual impact, including on the wild land, in the Highland Council area."

He added: "The Scottish Government wants to see the right developments in the right places, and Scottish Planning Policy is clear that the design and location of any wind farm should reflect the scale and character of the landscape and should be considered environmentally acceptable."

(JP/MH)