The £70-100 million wind farm will comprise of 33, 3 MW wind turbines, each with a maximum height of 120 m.

RES originally submitted a planning application for the wind farm in 2005, but in response to feedback received from local residents and consultees, the planning application was amended in order to allow revisions to be made. It was then resubmitted in 2008.

Allan Johnston, Head of Development for RES in Scotland, says: “Everyone at RES is delighted with the positive decision by the Scottish Government... Dunmaglass is an ideal location for a wind farm and has no landscape or ecological designations, which is why after careful consideration it has been approved.”

RES says local residents will benefit from the upgrading of sections of the B851 and a community fund split between Strathnairn, Strathdearn and Stratherrick Community Councils. RES has also formed a link with prospective Highlands and Islands University to create an engineering scholarship scheme.

Furthermore, the company will fund a Nature Conservation Management Plan throughout the lifetime of the wind farm project which will improve the habitat for key species in the vicinity of the wind farm.