Lochalsh Hydro-Electric Pipeline

Lochalsh Hydro-Electric Pipeline

ID: GB232_RAMSAY_D893_1_3_023 DESCRIPTION: Looking north, this photograph shows the dam built to create the reservoir on the river Allt Gleann Udalain. The valve house is situated below the dam with the pipeline going down to the power station at Nostie Bridge. The pipeline was built following the natural contours of the glen above the gorge. The pipeline was reinforced at each change of angle, and the 33 inch diameter pipeline was fully encased in concrete. 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: 3 December 1948 PERIOD: 1940s SOURCE: Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre COLLECTION: William J Ramsay Archive Asset ID: 8578 KEYWORDS: