Plans have been refused for a new wind farm in East Ayrshire.

Developers RES were proposing to build 17 turbines located between Patna and Dalmellington.

With each turbine being a maximum height of 149 metres to the tip of the blade, Ministers decided the Keirs Hill application was not acceptable due to the height of the turbines at this location.

In addition, the development was refused due to the impact it would have on nearby houses and on historic sites, notably the Waterside ironworks complex. The application was considered fully by Ministers following a public inquiry.

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Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, 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 land area.

"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 this application fully and recognise the efforts made by the applicant to mitigate the potential impacts of the development. However, I have refused permission due to the landscape and visual impact the project would have, including the effect on residential and historic sites in the area."

(LM/MH)