Ness hydro scheme runs dry

Highland Council has rejected a controversial pump storage hydro scheme near Loch Ness that conservationists warned could devastate migrating salmon and destroy ancient woodland.

On 19 June, councillors voted against the project – overruling the planning officer’s recommendation to approve it. The scheme would have moved huge volumes of water between Loch Kemp and Loch Ness using industrial pumps to store energy during low demand and generate electricity when needed.

Salmon and woodland at risk

Campaigners argued that the artificial water level changes would damage salmon habitat, harm protected ancient woodland, and risk sucking young salmon into the powerful pumps during their migration to sea.

The developer claimed floating nets would prevent fish deaths – a measure accepted by NatureScot, which reversed its original objection. But many, including conservation groups, doubted these untested assurances.

Councillor Chris Ballance led strong opposition to the planning officer’s recommendation, persuading the planning committee to reject the application.

“The right decision”

Brian Shaw, director of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, which campaigned against the proposal, welcomed the outcome:

“We applaud the councillors who robustly questioned the merits and highlighted the highly negative implications… This was absolutely the right decision.”

The developer must now decide whether to abandon the project or appeal to a public inquiry. Either way, conservationists see this as a crucial victory for salmon and the fragile ecosystems of Loch Ness.