Highland councillors to visit wind farm site

HIGHLAND councillors are to visit the site of a controversial 83 turbine wind farm proposal above Loch Ness.

SSE Renewables plans to develop a site near its Glendoe hydro electric scheme near Fort Augustus.

Planning officials have recommended that councillors do not oppose the Stronelairg project, but ask for it to be reduced to 67 turbines.

Councillors had planned to visit the site earlier this month, but the trip was called off because of bad weather.

Following the newly scheduled site visit, the proposal will be debated at the south planning applications committee.

The Mounaineering Council of Scotland and the John Muir Trust are opposed to the proposal.

A public inquiry will be held if the south planning committee decides to oppose the scheme. Scottish ministers will have the final say on the proposals.