11 January 2013 Last updated at 10:51 ET

Mountaineers urge Highland Council to oppose wind farm

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has urged Highland councillors to oppose plans for a 27-turbine 67.5 megawatt wind farm in Sutherland.

Highland Council planning officials have recommended that the local authority raise no objections to the project at Dalnessie, Lairg.

The approval comes with a number of conditions. Scottish ministers will have the final say on the proposal.

MCofS said the turbines would harm unspoilt wild land.

Scottish Natural Heritage has already objected to SSE Renewables Developments' plans because of some of the site's potential to be recognised as wilderness.

The developer has said in its planning documents that the project would have significant visual impact on wild land.

It said efforts had been made to site the turbines in a place where the visual impact could be lessened.

In their report to councillors meeting next week, officers said the project would make a useful contribution to the Scottish government's renewable energy targets.