Scottish government rejects big Lewis wind farm

LONDON, April 21 (Reuters) - Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a large wind farm on the Isle of Lewis, proposed by British Energy BGY.L and Amec (AMEC.L), because of concerns over its impact on local wildlife, the government said on Monday.

The developers said the project could supply up to a fifth of Scotland with clean electricity,

"The Lewis Wind Farm would have significant adverse impacts on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area, which is designated due to its high value for rare and endangered birds," Energy Minister Jim Mather said in a statement.

The Barvas Moor project was for up to 181 wind turbines with a potential installed capacity of over 650 megawatts.

(Reporting by Daniel Fineren, Editing by Margaret Orgill)