Approval suggested for Culachy and Tom Nan Clach wind farms

Lochindorb Castle is about four miles (8km) from Nanclach Limited's Tom Nan Clach Wind Farm site

Highland councillors have been asked to grant planning consent for two wind farms near historic landmarks.

Nanclach Limited has sought permission to build 13 larger turbines on Cawdor Estates land near Tomatin instead of the 17 it already has consent for.

Lochindorb, the ruined stronghold of the Wolf of Badenoch, is nearby.

Highland Council officers have also recommended approval of RES Ltd's 13-turbine Culachy Wind Farm near the Corrieyairick Pass.

The pass is a well-known landscape popular with hillwalkers and was also used as a route into the Highlands by government armies during the Jacobite Risings.

Opponents to the Culachy project includes the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.

Island stronghold

The two renewable energy developers say their schemes will make important contributions to Scotland's electricity needs, and also bring benefits to the local areas.

Councillors will consider both projects at a meeting next week.

Nanclach Limited already has consent for 17 turbines each 360ft (110m) in height at its Tom Nan Clach Wind Farm site.

Permission has now been sought for 13 turbines of 410ft (125m) in height, with a combined output of 39MW.

The ruins of Lochindorb Castle lie about four miles (8km) south east of the site.

A scheduled ancient monument, Lochindorb was built on a small island on a loch.

From the island stronghold, Alexander Stewart and his forces made a raid across Moray and destroyed Elgin Cathedral in 1390.

Stewart was known as Alasdair Mòr Mac an Rìgh - Great Alasdair Son of the King - in his lifetime. Later, following his death he was given the Wolf of Badenoch nickname.

King James II ordered that Lochindorb be destroyed in 1458.