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Surge in interest as firms join new gold rush

IT is the gold rush that underpins Scotland's ambition to be a global leader in renewable energy.

Land-based wind farms have become a common site on Scottish soil with the appetite to build the controversial and lucrative developments significantly growing in 2011 – while protests against their arrival also intensified.

A 100% increase in planning applications for onshore wind turbine sites was recorded this year as developers and landowners put 55 new proposals through the system, an increase from the 28 lodged in 2010.