Inverness Caley Thistle appeal to Scottish Government over Highland Council's battery farm rejection

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have urged the Scottish Government to intervene over a decision to refuse the club’s bid to build a battery farm.

The Highland club, who were relegated to League One at the end of last season, asked the local council for planning permission for the green energy project.

They proposed creating a multimillion-pound battery storage facility on the west side of the city.

The project was initially granted earlier this year, however following a review, councillors rejected the proposals by 30 votes to 23.

But Caley Thistle chiefs will now take their case to Holyrood in the hope the decision can be overturned.

If the plans get the go-ahead, the site would store excess energy generated by wind farms and release it back to the Grid during periods of high demand.

A percentage of money raised from the project will go back to the community as part of the club’s outreach programme.

The Scottish Government will now appoint an official who will consider the appeal in a process which can take several months.

Following a review, Highland Council’s decision can either be upheld or overturned.

After suffering relegation from the Championship in May, the club warned that administration might be their only option if other revenue streams are not found with accounts showing losses of over £500,000.