Plans for for Britain's biggest land-based wind farm have been turned down.

The 181 turbine wind farm on the Hebridean island of Lewis was refused by the Scottish government on the grounds of incompatibility with European law that affords protection for wildlife sites.

Ministers decided that the wind farm would have a serious impact on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area, designated under the EC Birds Directive and protected under the EC Habitats Directive.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said, "I have considered this application very carefully. I have listened to representations from the applicant, taken the views of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and considered the 10,924 objections and 98 letters of support. I visited Stornoway last month and heard at first hand a range of deeply held views. I have also taken ecological advice, and advice from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage."

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