SSE Renewables intend to create a major hydroelectric pumped storage scheme at Coire Glas, just to the North of our community’s boundaries on the Western shores of Loch Lochy but with major impacts for our residents, especially during the construction phase.

SSE’s preferred spoil management solution would see prolonged disruption and re-landscaping at Mucomir Farm near Gairlochy after surplus material arrives by barge. Other options being actively considered by SSE are removal by barge along the Caledonian Canal, potentially to create a new pier at Corpach able to accommodate cruise ships, or a major road haulage exercise via the A82 involving several hundred HGV’s daily.

The final decision whether to proceed with the project is expected be made in mid-2024, once the outcome of the geological exploratory boring works commencing in February 2023 is known, whilst also taking account of worldwide energy prices and political support at that time. If the scheme proceeds up to 2,000 jobs will be created during construction. The dam, underground power plant and tunneling will represent one of the UK’s most significant civil engineering projects of the 21st Century.

Coire Glas’s planned 1500 MW capacity would be sufficient to power over four million homes – more than in the whole of Scotland. The project could release significant Community Benefit over the anticipated seven years of the build from 2024. A Community Council has recently re-formed for Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry and this will ensure our area receives a fair share of this income.

SSE Renewables has created a website dedicated to the scheme at www.coireglas.com where updates on the works are posted as well as the minutes of the periodic Community Liaison Group meetings. Our Community Council actively participates in this Group.