Ministers have approved the Gordonbush wind farm, near Brora in Sutherland, which will be capable of powering 37,000 homes.

The 87.5 Megawatt, 35 turbine wind farm will be subject to conditions to minimise any potential disturbance to local wildlife and to safeguard local interests.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This is another milestone in our drive to harness Scotland's massive clean, low carbon energy potential.

"We already have the comparative advantage of a vast array of potentially cheap, renewable energy sources. And we have existing skills and resources to become the green energy capital of Europe, through investing in onshore and offshore wind, tidal, wave, biomass, and clean coal including carbon capture technology."

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Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "We have always said we want the right projects in the right places. Gordonbush wind farm will come close to part of the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Protection Area, and will be a good example of a sensitively scaled and sited wind farm operating in harmony with the environment."

Conditions attached to the approval include a legal agreement to stipulate the use of the site in relation to community benefit, crofting interests and transport and access requirements and prior to construction starting, a Habitat Management Plan covering 5,500 hectares designed to minimise impacts on birds will be agreed and implemented.

(GK/JM)