Conservation charity the John Muir Trust (JMT) has given evidence at an inquiry over a proposed wind farm scheme in Sutherland.

A Public Local Inquiry (PLI) was triggered early last year when the council objected to an application for a 20 turbine wind farm development at Caplich near Oykel Bridge.

The objection was made due to proposals to site half of the project's turbines within the boundaries of Wild Land Area 34 (Reay-Cassley).

Speaking at the inquiry, Policy Officer for the JMT John Low said approving the Caplich development would conflict with the Scottish Government's commitment to safeguard wild land.

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A recent Trust-commissioned YouGov poll showed the Scottish public back continued protection of Wild Land Areas by a significant 16 to 1 majority.

He said: "The publication of the Wild Land Areas map in 2014 recognised Scotland's wild land as a nationally important asset that needs to be safeguarded. Scotland's landscapes are spectacular, contributing to our quality of life, our national identity and the visitor economy. We only object to wind farms when we believe they will have a detrimental effect on an area of wild land. The Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and Highland Council all share the view that this is the wrong place for a development like this.

"As Scotland's Wild Land Areas map reaches its third anniversary on 23 June, it is time not only for the Scottish Government to reject this latest wind farm application but also to give Wild Land Areas the same level of protection from wind farms as National Scenic Areas and National Parks."

(LM)