Wind farms are a valid tool for helping the environment but their construction must not damage areas of outstanding natural beauty.

This is the view of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which explained that it is not against the building of the renewable energy source because climate change needs to be tackled through greener power provision.

However, the organisation's policy media officer John Clare said it will always oppose such projects if they impact on birds and their natural habitats.

But he stated that these potential conflicts could be resolved if wind farm plans are openly discussed with the society.

"Talk to us early, developers, let's see if we can get around any issues there might be so we don't all waste our time and slow up the process," he said.

Mr Clare's comments come after the Scottish government sparked controversy by approving a major wind development at Muaitheabhal on South Lewis, the day after the John Muir Trust's campaign to protect wild land was launched.