hàidrea ~ Loch Droma

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Written by Scott K Marshall
The Conon Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, which lies to the north of the Affric-Beauly Scheme, is centred on Strathconan and Strath Bran. The second stage of development focused on Conon Valley where dams were built at Loch Droma and in Strath Vaich to create high level reservoirs. Water descends to a power station at Loch Glascarnoch, a man-made reservoir with a substantial dam 28m (92 feet) high and 510m (1673 feet) long, and travels on to Mossford power station. It is then discharged into Loch Luichart, which drains the area around Achnasheen.
The Conon Hydro-Electric Power Scheme is centred on Strathconan and Strath Bran. The second stage of development focused on Conon Valley where dams were built at Loch Droma (this location) and in Strath Vaich to create high level reservoirs. Water descends to a power station at Loch Glascarnoch, a man-made reservoir with a substantial dam 28m (92 feet) high and 510m (1673 feet) long, and travels on to Mossford power station. It is then discharged into Loch Luichart, which drains the area around Achnasheen. Whilst under construction Hydro electricity is not without it’s detractors however when the contract considers the environment as best it can and returns the land as close back to it’s original circumstance, then in my view it works. I accept it is not without cost to the environment but for me it is a preferred option  versus being held ransom by foreign corporations for energy. I will definitely spend more time around this loch – which is traditionally shot in the opposite direction to the very attractive backdrop of Torridon

12 Comments

  3. Nice shot, Scott. I’m a big fan of hydro. There are a couple of pumped storage systems in this area owned by First Hydro (which is ultimately owned by French and Japanese corporations).

  6. One could certainly get lost in this shot and spend some enjoyable time (crackers?) As for the hydro question… I’m with you – it’s certainly preferable to fossil fuels if done right.

  8. I’m in favour of hydroelectric too, and this is a wonderful looking loch. Reservoirs are often such beautiful places – peaceful, scenic and rejuvenating for the soul. If I lived anywhere near this I’d be up there whenever I got the chance. I feel calmer just for looking at your lovely photograph, thank you.

  9. And much more acceptable (to me) than wind turbines on mass. Working with the environment is not easy but it can be done and I wish more thought was given to avoiding the need for the powerlines and pylons that cut through so much of our wildlands. Oh! I nearly forgot to say…nice shot.

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