SSE Generation wins claim over Glendoe tunnel collapse

The collapse suspended the operation of the hydro scheme for almost three years

SSE Generation has won more than £100m in compensation over the collapse of a tunnel at its Glendoe hydro scheme almost 10 years ago.

In August 2009, just months after it had opened Glendoe, near Fort Augustus, was shut down by the rock fall.

Operations did not resume at the scheme until almost three years later.

SSE took legal action against engineering contractor Hochtief, but lost. The energy company has now won compensation in an appeal.

In 2016, Lord Woolman, a judge at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, ruled that the main part of SSE Generation's claim had failed.

Now two of the three judges who considered the appeal have ruled in favour of the firm.

'Positive decision'

The senior judge, the Lord President Lord Carloway, said the court ought to refuse the reclaiming motion brought by SSE Generation and adhere to the ruling of Lord Woolman.

But Lord Menzies and Lord Glennie said the appeal should be allowed and that SSE Generation should be awarded more than £107m over the cost of the recovery project along with a further £1m damages.

Martin Pibworth, wholesale director at SSE plc, said: "SSE welcomes the positive decision of the Court of Session today concerning the tunnel collapse at our Glendoe Hydro Scheme near Fort Augustus.

"The hydro scheme had to be shut down for nearly three years whilst rectification works resulting from a defect, which existed prior to takeover of the scheme by SSE, were carried out.

"Since its re-opening in 2012, Glendoe has been making an important contribution to Britain's electricity supply."