Constructional Scheme No. 1, Loch Sloy, Loch Morar, and Lochalsh Project; Map

Constructional Scheme No. 1, Loch Sloy, Loch Morar, and Lochalsh Project; Map

ID: GB232_RAMSAY_D893_1_1_005_MAP DESCRIPTION: This map was part of the Constructional Scheme No 1 document which provided details of three major hydro-electic projects to be built in northern Scotland with construction beginning in 1945. This Scheme deals with Loch Sloy, Loch Morar and Lochalsh. On this map of Lochalsh, the work projects are outlined and numbered, showing the sequence of work projects. No 1 and No 2 were building dams across Allt Gleann Udalain to create reservoirs. No 3 was building an aqueduct and No 4 was the construction of the generating station at Nostie. The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board was established under the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Act 1943. Thomas Johnston presented the Act in the House of Commons, declaring that by harnessing 'the great latent power of the region' it would assist in remedying the ills that affected the Highlands. Johnston told the Commons that 'industries, whether owned nationally or privately, will be and ought to be, attracted to locations in the Highlands, as a result of this measure'. Ordinary consumers would have priority, then the anticipated large power users, and any surplus energy would be sold to the national grid. Profits from these sales would help reduce distribution costs to more remote areas, and assist in carrying out measures for the economic development and social improvement of the Highlands. This famous social clause gave recognition that the Hydro Board was envisaged as an instrument for the rehabilitation of northern Scotland, not just an organization to provide electricity. The output from the power station at Loch Sloy, west of Loch Lomond, was intended to meet the demand for central and western Scotland. The surplus energy produced here would be used to subsidise the Morar and Lochalsh projects, it being unlikely these smaller schemes could pay their way. The cost of construction of these three projects was estimated at £4,600,000 This image can be purchased. For further information about purchasing and prices please email Skye and Lochalsh Archives PLACENAME: Lochalsh DISTRICT: South West Ross OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Lochalsh DATE OF IMAGE: 1945 PERIOD: 1940s SOURCE: Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre Asset ID: 8366 KEYWORDS: