Caley Thistle battery site plan denied approval

A plans for a battery energy storage system (BESS) linked to Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC has been refused permission by a Scottish government appointed planning official.

The Highland football club had hoped its involvement in the project would generate funds for its community outreach projects.

Developer Intelligent Land Investments Group appealed to the Scottish government after Highland councillors refused planning permission for the facility on a site at Inverness' Fairways Business Park.

The planning official, called a reporter, has rejected the appeal and refused permission because the project does not comply with Highland Council local development plans.

The club was initially granted planning permission for the battery farm in February, but the local authority later decided to review the decision.

It previously said some of the income raised from the project would go towards its community outreach programme.

BESS facilities store excess energy generated by wind farms and release it back to the grid at periods of high demand.

Caley Thistle were relegated from the Championship to League 1 last season.

Since then challenges around the club's finances have emerged.

The club was placed into administration last month and there have been efforts to find a buyer.

Caley Thistle said it had no comment to make.

Highland Council said it noted the decision.