Approval has been granted for two new wind farms in Scotland.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown granted planning consent for a new 18-turbine wind farm in Cloich Forest near Peebles, while approval was also given for a 24-turbine Stranoch wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

Cloich Wind Farm LLP's 54MW scheme in Cloich Forest will generate up to £6 million in community benefit funding, while Wind Prospects Developments 2's 72MW Stranoch project will power the equivalent of around 34,959 homes.

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In addition, Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart has refused a planning appeal on Hag Law wind farm near Ramanno Bridge in the Scottish Borders.

Secretary Brown said: "Once the Cloich wind farm is operational it will generate £6 million for local people and community groups while producing enough electricity to power almost 26,968 homes. When complete, the development at Stranoch will power the equivalent of around 34,959 homes and both wind farms will provide a boost to their local economies, creating jobs and supporting local suppliers.

"Renewable energy sources generated more than 57% of gross electricity consumption in Scotland in 2015. The growth of onshore wind in recent years has been the key factor in the expansion of renewable energy in Scotland: creating jobs, providing secure and low-carbon energy and delivering significant community benefits."

(LM/CD)