Nostie Bridge Power Station

Nostie Bridge Power Station

ID: GB232_RAMSAY_D893_1_1_022 DESCRIPTION: The power station at Nostie Bridge just a month after the official opening. The building is situated just off the main road to Kyle of Lochalsh, following the same route as today. The power station, designed by James Shearer is very much in sympathy with its surroundings, built using local stone and a slate roof. Shearer was architect for the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board for over 20 years. His idea was that power stations should be not just functional, but pleasing and sympathetic to their landscapes. The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric project for the Lochalsh area was situated at Nostie Bridge, six miles from Kyle of Lochalsh. Work began in 1946 after an official pole raising ceremony that May, and the station was energized in December 1948. Original plans showed two dams, but the terrain proved unsuitable, and one dam was built across Allt Gleann Udalain. The reservoir, dam and power station were constructed at the same time as progress was going ahead with the distribution network, and in laying underwater cables across Loch Duich, Loch Long, Loch Carron and Loch Alsh. 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: Nostie Bridge DISTRICT: South West Ross OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Lochalsh DATE OF IMAGE: 31 January 1949 PERIOD: 1940s SOURCE: Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre COLLECTION: William J Ramsay Archive Asset ID: 8399 KEYWORDS: