NATIONAL park bosses have called for a proposed windfarm in the Cairngorms to be scrapped before it leaves the planning stage.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) formerly objected to the proposal, which would see a windfarm built on the edge of the National Park.

During a meeting in Boat of Garten, in the Highlands, members of the CNPA planning committee heard of concerns over the size of the windfarm and the impact it would have on the park.

They agreed agreed to raise an objection to the Macritch Hill Wind Farm near the Blackwater Reservior between Glen Prosen and Glen Isla, near Kirriemuir.

Planning Officer Katherine Donnachie advised members that the proposed windfarm of 18 turbines would have a negative impact on the landscape with the nearest turbine being only 1.5km from the southern boundary of the National Park.

She said: "The turbines would affect the experience of visitors to the National Park with views from the summits, ridges and walks in this area all being impacted upon. This is a popular area of the National Park and as well as affecting peoples enjoyment it will impact on the special landscape qualities, reducing the sense of openness by introducing large, industrial scale infrastructure and dominating the landscape and panoramic views."

Planning Committee convener Eleanor Mackintosh agreed, saying she wanted to send a strong objection in response the Section 36 application from Eneco Wind UL Limited.

She said: "There are an ever increasing number of wind farms proposed around the Cairngorms National Park and the CNPA has to seriously consider the cumulative impact of these.

"I am very concerned about the encircling of our National Park by more and more turbines. People come to the Cairngorms National Park to enjoy the views, the stunning landscapes and the sense of wildness.

"While the Park itself may be free of windfarms, standing in the Park and looking outwards at turbine after turbine will not be very inspiring."