Loch Ness faces serious impact of climate change, says hydro developer as it reveals plan to manage water levels

A hydro developer has revealed a new plan to protect water levels on Loch Ness as the world-famous body of water faces the threat of climate change.

Modifications to an existing weir - designed by renowned Scottish Engineer Thomas Telford more than 200 years ago as part of the Caledonian Canal - are being proposed by Statera Energy, the company behind the proposed Loch Kemp pumped storage hydro scheme.

Ness Weir II will include raising the crest height of the existing weir, creating a new fish pass and installing a new outlet sluice in the form of a tilting weir.

The developer says the aim is to better manage water levels on the loch which increasingly have fluctuated, having a major adverse impact on boat traffic navigating through the canal and the loch, and on loch habitats.

• Changes made to plans for Loch Kemp pumped storage hydro scheme near Loch Ness

• Proposed hydro scheme using Loch Ness and Loch Kemp prompts strong objection from Woodland Trust

• Salmon fishery board calls for more transparency on impact of Loch Ness pump hydro schemes

Statera Energy submitted an application last year for a 600MW pumped storage hydro scheme near Whitebridge using the existing Loch Kemp as the upper storage reservoir and Loch Ness as the lower reservoir.

But the plans have attracted opposition from the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board (DSFB) which has called for a halt on any further development of pumped storage hydro schemes using Loch Ness, saying dramatic fluctuations in water levels could spell disaster for its fragile ecosystem and the Ness’s already beleaguered wild salmon population.

Freda Newton, owner and chairwoman of Jacobite Cruises, also raised concerns citing cumulative effects on water levels to its ability to operate cruise vessels.

In putting forward its plan to modify the weir, Statera Energy says it will better manage water levels, providing future resilience against the impacts of climate change.

It says stable water levels will help provide vital energy security in the UK, as existing and planned pumped storage hydro projects on Loch Ness can be optimised for maximum efficiency all year round.

The weir was central to Thomas Telford’s design for the Caledonian Canal which uses Loch Ness and other lochs along the Great Glen to create an east-to-west route across Scotland.

Located at the point where Loch Dochfour and the River Ness come together, it was designed to ensure the water levels through the canal from Loch Ness are maintained at a level which allows boats to transit through all year round.

Statera says Loch Ness’s unique environment is under threat from climate change with more extreme variations in the weather.

In recent years, a clear pattern has emerged on Loch Ness showing that during the summer average water flows are reduced, impacting water levels. Water levels then increase during the winter.

The River Ness, and canal sections which connect to Loch Ness via Loch Dochfour, have seen a growing number of instances of low water levels which has a major adverse impact on boat traffic navigating through the canal and the loch, and on loch habitats.

It says its proposed modifications to the weir allow for better management of water levels, providing vital resilience for all who depend on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, including Statera’s proposed pumped hydro scheme.

Andrew Troup, development director at Statera, said the company was looking forward to engaging with the local community as part of a consultation in the coming months.

“These proposals will ensure there is greater water resilience in Loch Ness to improve the efficiency of existing and proposed pumped hydro schemes,” he said.

“It will also help to protect the future of one of Scotland’s most prominent attractions, its ecosystem and the heart of the local tourism economy in the Highlands as the world faces the challenges of climate change.

“Statera has worked closely with several stakeholders to reach this point in the concept and wishes to engage with the public and other stakeholders as the designs develop through the planning process.

“The improved efficiency for pumped hydro will provide the finance for these works at a time when public sector finances are stretched.”

Five consultation events will take place in November at:

Dores Village Hall - Tuesday November 19, 3pm to 7.30pm.

An Talla, Dochgarroch - Wednesday November 20, 11am to 2pm.

Caledonian Canal Centre, Canal Side, Fort Augustus - Wednesday November 20, 4pm to 7.30pm.

The Treehouse, Carsegate Road, Inverness - Thursday November 21, 11am to 2pm.

Glenmoriston Town House, Ness Bank, Inverness - Thursday November 21, 4pm to 7.30pm.

Information can also be found at nessweir2.co.uk.

The consultation closes on Friday December 6.Find out more about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.