SCOTLAND'S green credentials have been given a boost after a 15 megawatt (MW) wind farm was given the go-ahead in East Renfrewshire.

SCOTLAND'S green credentials have been given a boost after a 15 megawatt (MW) wind farm was given the go-ahead in East Renfrewshire.

RWE npower renewables' six turbine development will be sited at Middleton, near Newton Mearns.

Project manager Karen Fox said: "We are delighted at this decision. The site is located on grazed pasture and has several benefits including high wind speeds and good road access.

"This decision will now allow us to commit our efforts fully to aiding the Scottish Government's target of producing 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020."

If all goes to plan, building work is expected to begin in late 2010 or early 2011 with the first power being generated in late 2011.

When complete, the plant should generate enough power for up to 8400 households.

The scheme will also prevent the release of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide, making a valuable contribution to the overall goal of reducing green house gas emissions from the production of electricity.