Plans to develop a wind farm on the slopes of a mountain in the Highlands has been refused.

The rejection of the bid to reverse the refusal of planning permission has been welcomed by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCoS).

Originally, PI Renewables had proposed to build a 14 turbine wind farm on the mountain near Inverness.

Following a public inquiry, a Reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers has now dismissed the appeal brought by the developers.

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The Reporter found that the development would have had significant visual impacts on the Ben Wyvis massif and in particular from An Cabar, a popular route up the mountain.

In addition, the official also found the development would have a number of significant individual effects and contribute to impacts on Wild Land Area 29.

David Gibson, MCofS CEO, said: "We welcomed the original decision by Highland Council's North Planning Committee to refuse permission and are clearly pleased that the Reporter has dismissed the appeal.

"We hope that this decision sends a further strong message to those who seek to develop the area around Ben Wyvis in particular, and Scotland’s fantastic resource of wild land further afield."

(LM/CD)