COUNCILLORS have blown out a planned windfarm near Heriot which would have been visible from both the A7 and A68.

Ridgewind Ltd had hoped to locate 16 turbines straddling the Midlothian-Scottish Borders boundary.

Last month councillors sitting on Midlothian Council's planning committee refused permission for the nine on their patch. And on Monday it was a similar story at Newtown St Boswells.

Officials at Scottish Borders Council had recommended refusal. Planning boss Ian Aikman told Monday's meeting: "The cumulative impact with other developments is something we are concerned about." The combined 16 turbines would have spread over 170 hectares of land near Gilston Farm. Scottish Natural Heritage were amongst the opponents highlighting serious concerns over the impact on the landscape.

Galashiels councillor Bill White also added his weight against the bid. He said: "This will have a serious visual impact, especially when coming down the A7 into the Borders." Councillors voted unanimously to refuse permission.