Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has granted consent to Corriegarth Wind Farm, in Highland Council Area that will power 33,000 homes.

The development, applied for by NBW Wind Energy Ltd, will have 23 turbines and have a generating capacity of up to 70MW, and effectively replaces the existing planning permission granted by Highland Council for a 50MW, 20 turbine Wind Farm on the same site.

During the construction period, it is envisaged that local and national employers will be encouraged to compete for contracts for the manufacture and supply of turbines, as well as contracts for construction, operation and maintenance work on the wind farm.

Stone for the construction of turbine bases would be locally sourced, creating indirect economic benefit to the local area.

The developer has estimated it will create 245 jobs during the construction phase. During the operational phase, the applicant estimates four to five full time jobs could be created to undertake regular maintenance work.

NBW Wind Energy Ltd has indicated that the community benefit fund will provide approximately £100,000 per annum to support local projects.

Commenting on the granting of consent Mr Ewing said:“The Corriegarth Wind Farm will create a number of jobs, as well as generating power for many thousands of homes and provide considerable benefits to the local community.”