Planned new hydro scheme for Lochaber

Electricity firm SSE has submitted plans with the Scottish government for a new hydro scheme in the Highlands.

Proposed for Coire Glas, near Spean Bridge, in Lochaber, it would generate more electricity than the company's plant at Glendoe, near Fort Augustus.

Glendoe is a 100MW scheme, while the planned project is 600MW.

Highland Council's south planning applications committee will consider the proposal on Tuesday. Officers have recommended no objection to it.

The Scottish government will have the final say on the application.

SSE has sought a five-year "window" of planning consent, rather than the usual three years, because of "complexities" associated with the type of scheme planned.

A pump storage hydro scheme, it would involve pumping water to the scheme overnight for electricity generation in daytime.