The company behind a controversial wind farm in the Highlands has decided to abandon the project in the face of the considerable local opposition.

Falck Renewables' plans for 17 turbines on Clach Liath, in the Ben Wyvis massif near Dingwall, were fought by various groups.

The internationally acclaimed climber, Hamish MacInnes, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Cameron McNeish, mountaineer, writer and broadcaster, all spoke out against the development.

So did local people and councils who claimed the Clach Liath proposal, with two existing schemes, would complete an arc of turbines around Ben Wyvis, which would dominate the views of the mountain.

Last month, Highland Council used delegated powers to reject the application from Falck Renewables, but it was expected the company would appeal to the Scottish Government.

However, Charles Williams, director of development at Falck said: "Having reviewed the decision by the council and taken account of the views of the statutory consultees including the local communities, we have decided not to pursue an appeal."

David Alston, deputy leader of Highland Council, said: "I welcome Falck's recognition of local opposition and its decision not to use the costly and time- consuming appeal process to override the view of local communities."