Concerns have been raised over plans to build 10 wind turbines above the village of Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCS) is urging the council to join its objection to the development as the project risks encircling the village with a "ring of steel".

A total of 181 turbines are already operational to the north of Carsphairn, with 75 also in the planning process.

David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of the MCS, said: "In the northern view from Cairnsmore of Carsphairn there are no less than 181 turbines operational or consented and 75 in the planning process, none of which MCofS has objected to.


"Looking east, we have not objected to a wind farm 10km away, with 15 turbines nor to an extension application for a further 11 turbines. Also to the east, but only 2-6km away, there are two applications for 31 turbines, to which we have raised objections.

"Now a new application has been lodged for ten 134-metre turbines at Longburn to the south-east. We think enough is enough and we are calling on Dumfries and Galloway Council to refuse the application.

"We have not objected to many wind farms in this area because we recognise the need for low carbon electricity generation but, with the risk of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn being entirely encircled by a ring of steel, we are now fighting to save the iconic southward view across the Glenkens to the Rhinns of Kells."

(LM/CD)