Plans to build a wind farm in the Highlands have been turned down by the Scottish Government.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said the impact of the farm would be too high for nearby residents and the landscape.

Spittal Hill Windfarm Limited submitted the proposal for a 30 turbine wind farm at Spittal Hill in Stirling expecting a total generating capacity of 77.5MW.

A public enquiry was held last year after the local planning authority rejected the application. An independent reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers further recommended consent should be refused.

Mr Ewing said a balanced approach is necessary: “The Scottish Government wants to see the right developments in the right places and Scottish planning policy is clear that the design and location of any wind farm should reflect the scale and character of the landscape and should be considered environmentally acceptable.”

The development is said to have received 1546 objections and 1268 letters of support to date.