​Government ministers decide against granting planning permission for a six-turbine windfarm in one of Scotland's most beautiful glens

Campaigners have welcomed a decision to refuse planning permission for a six-turbine windfarm on one of Scotland’s most picturesque backdrops.

German developers had sought planning for permission to build the 400-foot-high turbines at Beinn Mhor on the edge of Glen Affric.

But after objections by charities, environmental groups and a 1,000 signature petition, the Scottish Government has announced it has refused planning permission.

And Highland councillors voted against the project in April.

The full text of the report explaining the decision, issued by the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals, makes 28 separate references to wild land and concludes that “The safeguarding of wild land is a significant national objective.”

The John Muir Trust said the decision was a victory for the future protection of Scotland’s wild areas.

Helen McDade, the charity’s head of policy, said: “We warmly welcome this decision, which is a victory not just for those local communities who have campaigned strongly against the proposal, but also those of us who believe Scotland’s wild land is a precious national asset worthy of protection.

“It is significant that a substantial section of the decision focuses on wild land protection.

“We would now urge the Scottish Government to move swiftly to reject three other outstanding applications for much larger developments on wild land areas at Sallachy and Glencassley in Sutherland, and at Allt Duine on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.”