Downsized East Lothian wind farm approved

The wind farm is the 79th energy project the Scottish Government has considered since May 2007. Of these 56 have been for renewable energy projects including 32 onshore wind farms, of which ministers have refused planning permission for six.

Another 46 applications are being considered, 44 of which involve renewable energy projects.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has imposed conditions to limit its impact on the environment, including cutting the number of wind turbines.

The Aikengall II wind farm, which will be sited south of the East Lothian village of Innerwick, is now expected to have 19 wind turbines, three fewer than developer Community Windpower Limited hoped to install.

The level of noise the wind turbines can create has also been limited.

Construction of the wind farm is said to be creating around 100 jobs, while its operation will see five permanent jobs.

Up to 68.4 megawatts of electricity could be produced on the site.

Mr Ewing said: