A FUND to help planning authorities deal with large numbers of wind farm applications has been opened.

The Scottish Government is providing £300,000 for local authorities which are experiencing a significant rise in the number of planning applications for wind turbines.

It comes after Aberdeenshire and Fife councils asked for a temporary halt to new applications earlier this year, after being deluged by proposals from developers.

From the fund, £280,000 will go directly to the local authorities and £20,000 will be used by the Scottish Government to monitor how the money has been spent, find out the most effective approaches, and provide advice for the future.

Planning minister Derek Mackay said: "We know some planning authorities are experiencing particularly high volumes of applications for wind turbines, and the funding will help by bringing in expertise, or more staff, to deal with the applications."