Campaigners against a controversial windfarm development are calling on Moray’s MSP to support them.
A petition against Vento Ludens’ plans to build 19 turbines at Brown Muir, between Elgin and Rothes, has attracted around 2,000 signatures.
With each turbine measuring up to 410ft, concerns have been raised over the visual and environmental impact of the project, as well as the effect it could have on tourism.
Opponents now want Moray’s SNP MSP Richard Lochhead to take note of their concerns as ministers prepare to discuss the proposals. Due to its scale, the plans have been submitted to the Scottish Government rather than Moray Council.
Campaigner Derek Ross, a member of the Save the Brown Muir action group and resident at nearby Glen of Rothes, said Mr Lochhead could not “hide under an invisibility cloak”.
He added: “We are trying to get as many people who have signed the petition as possible to get in touch with the MSP.
“He can’t hide behind ministerial responsibility. It’s not an invisibility cloak.
“He pledged to serve all the people of Moray – we feel he should be putting pressure on the Scottish Government to make our views known.”
Mr Lochhead insisted he was doing his best to put local people’s views across.
He said: “I’m well aware many of my constituents have very strong views on this particular application.
“I am continuing to convey both to Moray Council and Scottish Government the various concerns that have been expressed to me as local MSP.”
A decision on the windfarm application is expected from Scottish ministers in the next few months.