Plans have been approved to extend a wind farm in the Highlands.

Falck Renewables Wind Limited is planning to build 10 new turbines at the Millennium Wind Farm site 8km west of Fort Augustus.

The scheme is expected to generate up to £4 million in community benefit as well as create 40-50 jobs during the construction phase.

In addition, it will generate 35MW of electricity, enough to power the equivalent of almost 20,000 homes.

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Speaking after granting planning consent today, 03 February, Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "Once operational, Millennium South wind farm will generate up to £4 million in community benefit, while producing enough electricity to power almost 20,000 homes and bringing jobs and investment to local communities.

"Renewable energy sources generated a record 56.7% of gross electricity consumption in Scotland in 2015, helping support our world-leading ambitions to become a low-carbon economy.

"The growth of onshore wind in recent years has been a key factor in the expansion of renewable energy in Scotland: creating jobs, providing secure and low-carbon energy and delivering significant local benefits and it will remain a key contributor to our continued transition to a low carbon energy system, supported by a range of renewable  energy technologies."

(LM/MH)