Scottish hydro-electric power station wins approval

A £140m hydro-electric power station will be built in the Highlands after authorities gave the go-ahead to Scottish and Southern Energy’s plans. The plant should produce about 180 million units of ‘green’ electricity in a year of average rainfall and, at maximum capacity, should generate enough energy for 250,000 homes.

Scottish and Southern Energy said construction near Fort Augustus in Invernesshire would begin next spring and should create 400 jobs. It is alleged to be the biggest scheme in Scotland for 40 years.

The project, which should be fully operational by 2008, will involve the construction of a 35m-high, 1,000m dam at the head of Glen Tarff and the