Wind farm developments are causing controversy in Scotland

Scottish Renewables, which represents green energy businesses, has urged MSPs to back wind farms.

Chief executive Maf Smith said last week's hurricane strength storms were an indication of what would happen if carbon emissions were not cut.

However, opponents of wind farms believe increasingly unsuitable sites are being developed.

They also dispute the numbers of jobs which developers say will be created.

Mr Smith claims wind power will bring up to 8,000 jobs to Scotland within 15 years and provide a real financial benefit for communities.

Climate debate

He said claims that there would be a wind farm on every hilltop were "laughable", adding that if Scotland reached its target of 40% of power from wind by 2020, there would be about 70 wind farms across the country.

Scottish Renewables sent briefing papers to all 129 MSPs ahead of parliamentary debate on climate change on Thursday.

Critics of wind farms dispute the number of jobs which developers say will be created.

Opposite argument

Thousands of protesters have lodged objections to plans for Europe's biggest wind farm on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides.

An application has been submitted to build more than 230 of the tallest wind turbines to be erected in Britain on peat moorland in the north of the island.

Moorland without Turbines is worried about what it said was a lack of public discussion and the adverse effect it could have on bird habitats, natural water channels and rivers.

The group also believes that crofting and tourism will also be damaged.

Plan rejected

Controversial plans for a rural wind farm were rejected by councillors on Wednesday.

The proposal for Drumderg wind farm, near Alyth in Perthshire, was refused by Perth and Kinross Council.