Dunbeath wind farm refused planning consent

Plans for turbines on Dunbeath Estate were not opposed by councillors

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has refused planning consent for a proposed 17-turbine wind farm in Caithness.

Falck Renewables had originally hoped to construct 23 turbines on the Dunbeath Estate, south west of Wick.

In 2010, Highland councillors voted not to oppose the project. Scottish ministers had the final say on the planning application.

Mr Ewing said the wind farm would impact on the character of the landscape and could risk wild land.

The minister said he had also considered that the significant cumulative impacts from other nearby wind farms and adverse visual impacts would be too severe.

Mr Ewing said: "Scotland has enormous potential for renewable energy that is delivering jobs and investment across Scotland, and I am determined to ensure communities all over Scotland reap the benefit from renewable energy - but not at any cost."