Scotland's largest solar farm has begun operation on the Errol Estate in Tayside.

Energy minister Paul Wheelhouse was on hand for the official opening of the 13MW scheme.

Constructed on 70 acres of land, the solar panels will ultimately provide power for more than 3500 homes in a year.

Errol Estate was one of the first locations in Scotland to be identified as a potential solar farm site, with the land being promoted for development by Savills energy director Thomas McMillan in 2011.

Savills claims the project is proof that large scale solar PV systems work and the firm is continuing to source solar sites across Scotland.

It hopes to develop schemes that are financially viable without subsidy support.

Mr McMillan said: "We are delighted to see this project come to fruition with power now being generated.

"It has been four years in the making and proves that large-scale solar in Scotland continues to be commercially viable.

"Solar technology has a far greater role to play in Scotland's energy mix than many people might realise.

"Due to reducing installation costs, and a climate of support from Scottish Government, we are continuing to see an appetite from developers to take forward new development sites, even with reducing subsidy support from the Westminster government."

The Scottish Government announced it will retain a grandfathering guarantee for key policies supporting investment in solar farms, despite Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) proposals to end the protection in England and Wales.

Mr MacMillan added: "This announcement came at a crucial time for Errol, and it was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition."

Energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "I am pleased and excited to be here today to open Scotland's largest solar farm, which will provide power for more than 3,500 homes.

"This very substantial and impressive project is proof that large scale solar photovoltaic systems work well on the east coast of Scotland and I am also greatly encouraged that a variety of organisations are continuing to source solar sites across the country, with a view to developing financially viable schemes.