Armed Forces and turbines can co-exist

The MoD said wind turbine could pose a risk to low-flying aircraft

The MoD has said the military and wind farms could "co-exist" following news of a Norwegian firm's search for an offshore test site.

State-owned Statoil said last week it had started a study of potential sites off the Scottish coast where it could run trials on offshore wind turbines.

One possible area, the sea off Lewis, is close to where Europe's biggest military exercise is held.

The MoD said all proposed wind projects were referred to it for comment.

In a statement, the ministry said turbines posed potential problems for ships and low-flying aircraft.

The main threats were the wind devices causing interference to radar systems and creating a physical danger in terms of an obstruction.

However, the MoD added: "There are already numerous sites in existence throughout the UK which does indicate that despite the hazards aviation and wind farms can coexist.

"Areas where there are wind farms are taken out of play during an exercise planning process. Ships would avoid the farms as they would any other navigational hazard and therefore would be largely unaffected."

Statoil said it had started a search for suitable sites off the Scottish coast where it could run trials on up to five demonstrator offshore wind turbines.

BBC Alba understands the Norwegian company plans to eventually build two giant farms in the Minch off Lewis.

One of the farms would be sited just off the Point area near Stornoway, while the other would lie further north between Ness and Cape Wrath.

Cape Wrath on the north coast of mainland Scotland has a live firing weapons range.

It is a key site for Exercise Joint Warrior, Europe's biggest military training event which is held in spring and autumn.

Airstrips on the Western Isles are also used during the exercise.