Clach Liath wind farm plan dropped

Plans for a wind farm near Ben Wyvis was opposed by climbers and walkers

Plans for a wind farm on the lower slopes around Ben Wyvis in Ross-shire have been abandoned.

Developer Falck Renewables said it would not appeal a decision by Highland Council to refuse planning permission for the Clach Liath project.

The company had proposed installing 17 turbines.

Mountaineer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish, Ferintosh Community Council and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland had opposed the scheme.

On Saturday, during the SNP conference in Inverness, campaigners are to hand over a petition calling for a halt to wind farms across Scotland.

Wind Wise Radio has gathered more than 4,400 signatures. Stop Highland Windfarms Campaign and Scotland Against Spin backed the petition.

Campaigners are hoping Rhona Weir, the widow of climber, writer and broadcaster Tom Weir, will be able to hand the petition to First Minister Alex Salmond.

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse is expected to receive it.