Scottish Ministers have refused consent for a proposed 31 turbine wind farm near Kincraig.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney stated the plan does not represent sustainable development as it would result in 'significant and unacceptable' landscape and visual impacts on the Cairngorms National Park.

The decision follows a local public inquiry and Scottish Government consultations on the potential impacts of the wind farm, along with the implications of the development on new planning policies.

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Mr Swinney said: "The Scottish Government's policy on wind farms strikes a careful balance between maximising Scotland's huge green energy potential and protecting some of our most scenic landscape and wild areas. We have been clear that wind farms can only be built in the right places and Scottish Planning Policy sets out rigorous steps to ensure wind farms are sited appropriately and sensitively.

"I have considered the Allt Duine application fully and have refused permission as the proposal would have a significant and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts in the local area, including on the Cairngorms National Park and on a wild land area."

Mr Swinney added the Scottish Government remains 'fully' committed to renewables and to achieving its target of 100% of its electricity demand coming from renewables by 2020.

(LM)