Fifth hydro project proposed at Loch Ness

The local community is to be asked for its views next week on plans for a new hydro-electric scheme at Loch Ness.

Glen Earrach Energy's (GEE) pumped storage hydro project is the fifth hydro scheme proposed for the Loch Ness area.

The company said its project on Balmacaan Estate would create clean energy while protecting the environment, and create 600 on-site jobs.

But concerns have been raised about the number of planned schemes, with Ness District Salmon Fishery Board worried about the effect on wild fish.

GEE is to hold a community engagement event in Drumnadrochit next Friday.

It said it was committed to listening to views of the local community.

The company has sought consent for its project from the UK and Scottish governments.

GEE said its facility would be capable of delivering up to 30 gigawatt-hours of energy - enough to power more than a million homes.

Pumped hydro works by using excess off-peak power to push water uphill into a holding reservoir high up the mountain.

When the electricity is needed, the water rushes through turbines while travelling back down to the lower reservoir.

'Dramatic fluctuations'

GEE has proposed moving water between Loch Breac Dearga and Loch Ness.

There are two existing hydro schemes at Loch Ness - Glendoe, near Fort Augustus, and Foyers.

Other projects proposed for the Loch Ness area are:

• Coire Glas

• Fearna

• Loch Kemp

• Loch na Cathrach

Speaking to BBC Scotland News in January, Brian Shaw, director of the Ness District Salmon Fisheries Board, said the "iconic" Loch Ness should not be subjected to "an unregulated gold rush".

He added: "Such dramatic, indeed astonishing, fluctuations in water levels will play havoc with the shoreline ecology, disrupt natural currents within the loch and potentially raise the temperature of Loch Ness."