TWO new wind farms have been approved by the Scottish Government in a move ministers claim will be worth more than £28 million to local communities.

One of the wind farms will sit alongside the existing Clyde wind farm in the east of Abington, while the other, Dersalloch wind farm, will be erected in South Ayrshire.

It is estimated they will be able to power more than 100,000 homes once complete.

The Clyde extensions will contribute around £20m in community benefits over its 25-year operating period, while Dersalloch will contribute more than £8.5m.

Energy minister Fergus Ewing said: "These two wind farms will create jobs both in their construction, and during their lifetime. Once they are running, the wind farms will save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, and will be able to produce enough electricity to power thousands of homes."

The announcement was welcomed by energy provider SSE, which will operate the Clyde wind farm, and ScottishPower Renewables, which will run the Dersalloch site.

Colin Nicol, SSE's lead director of Wholesale Generation Development, said: "This project is expected to bring significant benefits through direct and indirect employment, skills training and over £20m of long-term support for community projects from the community benefit fund."