Wind farms approved for Ayrshire

Ministers hope renewables will provide half the country's electricity by 2020

Two wind farms capable of generating electricity for 117,000 homes have been approved for South Ayrshire.

The 60-turbine Arecleoch wind farm near Barrhill, which is set to be the fourth largest in Scotland, will be able to generate electricity for 76,000 homes.

The 28-turbine Mark Hill wind farm will generate power for 41,000 homes.

Scottish ministers have set a target of producing 31% of electricity from renewable sources by 2011, rising to 50% by 2020.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Today's approval for two more wind farms is a significant step in our drive to turn Scotland into the green energy capital of Europe.

"Scotland has a vast array of potentially cheap, renewable energy sources, from our waters, our waves and our wind. We are turning that potential into a reality."