An energy firm has urged the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) to look “in more detail” at its plans to erect 83 turbines on hills above Loch Ness.
Scottish Southern and Energy (SSE) made the comments after the MCofS said no part of Scotland would be safe from turbines if the proposal was approved.
The MCofS joined the John Muir Trust in formally objecting to the Stronelairg windfarm, where SSE wants to erect 83 turbines.
The proposed site is on the Garrogie Estate, in the Monaliadh Mountains south of Fort Augustus, and is one of two developments planned by the energy firm for the hills at Loch Ness. It would involve bulldozing 40 miles of service tracks and creating the largest windfarm yet in the north.
The second scheme, at Bhlaraidh, north-west of Invermoriston, has been reduced from 138 to 36 turbines.
A spokeswoman for SSE said last night: “In relation to Stronelairg windfarm, it will not be visible from Loch Ness or the A82 Fort William to Inverness road and our design has ensured no visibility from the majority of the national park.
“The site has been chosen as there is existing infrastructure in place and in our view is, therefore, not wild or unspoilt land. We would urge the MCofS to study the environmental statement in more detail.”