Loch Ness hydro power plan sparks fears for ‘Nessie’
THE “Loch Ness monster” could be threatened by plans for a waterpowered electricity plant that could lead to earthquakes and terrorist attacks, locals claim.
An energy firm wants to build a hydro plant and use wind power to pump water from the loch up to a new reservoir to be turned into electricity for 400,000 homes.
Under the plans a dam on the shores of Loch Ness – opposite the 17th century Urquhart Castle – would direct water to a power cavern 300 feet underground. But locals fear it could have a harmful impact on wildlife, noise levels, tourism, and traffic as well as putting the area at risk of earthquake tremors and terrorist attacks.
Energy company Intelligent Land Investments (ILI) has submitted a planning application to Highland Council for the plant in Dores, near Loch Ness.
Council planners are expected to approve or reject the scheme later this year.
In an objection to the council, Dores resident Barry Dennis said: “I would have serious reservations about the proposed positioning of the dam, as well as major concerns about traffic on the Dores road with an estimated workforce of over 300 and an estimated build time of six years.
“There are also security and environmental issues with construction covering such a large area with precious wildlife and fauna and also such a dam being an inviting target for terrorists.”
Writing on Facebook, other locals had concerns the plans might harm “Nessie”.
Mark Maccormick wrote: “What about Nessie? .... What happens if she gets pulled through the turbines? Worrying times.”
Pete Tuck added: “They’ll have to build a “monster” grill to prevent that.”
ILI claim 300 jobs could be created, and if approved the plant would have a generating capacity of 400MW, enough to power around 400,000 homes.
The office of Inverness MP Drew Hendry has also written to the council to voice concerns, after being contacted by worried locals.
Intelligent Land Investments (ILI) Group has been approached for comment.