WIND turbines are expected to be banned from Scotland's beauty spots.

The Scottish Government will today announce a ban on wind farms from National Parks and National Scenic Areas.

Ministers have responded to criticism from conservationists and ordered the clampdown as part of a new planning strategy.

The policy will govern where all proposed wind-farm developments are located for the next 30 years.

However, last night some campaigning bodies remained concerned.

John Mayhew, director of the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, said: "We need to look after our environment and generate renewable energy. "The Scottish Government have pretended they can do both without having a plan.

"The result has been a battle between communities, local authorities and wind- farm developers."