Wind project 'another milestone'

Thirty-five turbines will be constructed on the site, at Gordonbush

A wind farm in Sutherland capable of providing power for 37,000 homes has been approved by Scottish ministers.

First Minister Alex Salmond said the 35-turbine project near Brora was another milestone in the government's drive to boost renewable energy.

Developer Scottish and Southern Energy was ordered to take steps to ease the impact on wildlife and local residents.

Meanwhile, ministers are still considering plans for a major wind project on Lewis, in the Western Isles.

Lewis Wind Power wants permission to build 181-turbines on Barvas Moor.

The Holyrood administration has said wind farms could exist alongside wildlife, as long as rigorous safeguards were in place.

Speaking after the Sutherland development got the go-ahead, Mr Salmond said: "This government has now determined more than twice as many energy applications than in the last year of the previous administration."

During a visit to the US this month, the first minister announced the world's largest prize for marine renewable energy innovation.

The £10m Saltire Prize aims to push the boundaries of research in the global fight against climate change.