A conservation group’s legal battle against a giant windfarm has been dealt a major blow.
The John Muir Trust has mounted a challenge against the Scottish Government’s decision to approve a huge green energy development at Stronelairg, in the Monadhliath Mountains between Loch Ness and the Cairngorms.
The 67-turbine development for Scottish and Southern Energy faces opposition from the government’s own advisory body, Scottish Natural Heritage, as well as the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
The John Muir Trust, which is based in Pitlochry, has taken its fight against the project to Edinburgh’s Court of Session.
But the campaign has hit an early hurdle with Lord Philip refusing to grant the group a protective expenses order (PEO), which would have limited its liability for the other side’s costs to £5,000.
Stuart Brooks, chief executive of the John Muir Trust, said: “Naturally, we are disappointed with this decision.
“This decision suggests that charities in Scotland will find it extremely difficult to obtain a measure of protection from very high legal costs when bringing environmental cases in the public interest.”
The trust, which is seeking donations to allow it to carry on with the case, is now considering the implication of Lord Philip’s ruling.