Conservation charity John Muir Trust (JMT) has decided to end its legal challenge against a wind turbine development near Inverness.

SSE is planning to build the 67-turbine Stronelairg project in the Monadhliath Mountains.

The JMT won a judicial review of a decision by Scottish Ministers to approve the project last year. However the Inner House of the Court of Session upheld an appeal by the Government and SSE on Friday, 22 July.

The charity has now said that the issue has "consumed a significant amount of time and money" and after considering its options, its decided to end legal action.

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In a statement, JMT said: "We believe that the planning regime in Scotland remains weighted in favour of developers with huge financial resources at their disposal, and we are now working with others to campaign for a level playing field, calling for an Equal Rights of Appeal, that would allow charities and communities the same rights as developers and landowners.

"At the same time, we intend to intensify our efforts to persuade politicians and the public that Scotland can meet its climate change targets without damaging our internationally renowned wild land or its fragile ecosystems."

A spokesperson for SSE said: "We welcome the ruling of the Court of Session on the appeal of the Stronelairg Judicial Review.

"Stronelairg is a carefully designed project with the carbon payback estimated to be around 16 months. It was strongly supported by many local stakeholders, was not opposed by the local community council and was supported by the Highland Council planning committee. The ruling today (22 July) has brought good news to a project that would bring significant benefits to the local and wider economy."

(LM/MH)