TOURIST operators near the site of a proposed wind farm on the edge of Rannoch Moor say they will be fighting to save their businesses if the development goes ahead.

The John Muir Trust, the wild land charity, has also urged Highland Perthshire residents and visitors to object to the proposed scheme by Talladh-a-Bheithe Wind Farm Ltd, which wants to erect 410ft wind turbines between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht.

According to the Trust, the 24 turbines would be visible from more than 30 Munros (mountains over 3000ft) and Corbetts (over 2500ft), the West Highland Railway line and the A82, the main road through the West Highlands.

John Low, of the Trust, said any such development would "fatally undermine" the Government's newly agreed Wild Land Areas map, which is designed to protect certain sites from large-scale developments.

Rose La Terriere, of Dunalastair Estate Holiday Cottages, said: "Visitors come from Scotland and overseas for the tranquillity and unspoilt landscape of this glen of Rannoch. Given that farming is fading in glens like ours, any loss of tourists would destroy the community."

A spokeswoman for the windfarm company said: "Having worked closely with the community throughout the development of our proposals we are pleased with the positive response we have received.

"Assessments have found our plans will have no impact upon visitor numbers and are instead set to bring a number of benefits, including a positive contribution to the regional and local economy."