Conservationists are hailing Highland Council's decision to refuse permission to build a 14-turbine wind farm in Ross-shire as a victory for wild land.
PI Renewables wanted to erect the turbines at Carn Gorm near Garve close to Ben Wyvis. But one of the reasons permission had been refused was that the development "would be detrimental to Wild Land Area 29 - Rhiddoroch-Beinn Dearg-Ben Wyvis".
The John Muir Trust's head of policy, Helen McDade, said: "This is a victory for wild land and for common sense. The trust vigorously objected to the development. We are delighted that the Highland Council has taken this decision."
She said the trust was heartened at the recognition this development would potentially undermine one of the recently mapped Wild Land Areas, in Scottish Planning Policy 2014.
Ms McDade added: "This decision should send a clear message to developers to steer clear of the 42 Wild Land Areas mapped earlier this year by Scottish Natural Heritage and supported by the John Muir Trust." PI Renewables said it was disappointed by the decision, adding it would review the details.
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