Two onshore wind farms have been refused by the Scottish Government.

The applications were for a 22-turbine wind farm at Sallachy and Duchally Estate in central Sutherland and a 23-turbine project situated at Glencassley Estate in the same region.

Ministers said the projects would have an “unacceptable” impact on the Assynt – Coigach National Scenic Area (NSA) and the wild land area.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing added: “The Scottish Government’s policy on wind farms strikes a careful balance between maximising Scotland’s huge green energy potential and protecting some of our most scenic landscape and wild land area.

“We have been clear that wind farms can only be built in the right places and Scottish Planning Policy sets out rigorous steps to ensure wind farms are sited appropriately and sensitively.”