Clear benefits for Skye and Lochalsh

£27million is expected to be invested in Skye & Lochalsh by 2010, part of a £235million campaign for the Highlands. Scottish Water’s Vision is already delivering real benefits for communities and customers with news that the Kyle Regional Water Supply has been switched on, providing clearer, fresher drinking water for 1,300 customers in Lochalsh.

Kevin Clifton, Scottish Water’s investment planner for Skye & Lochalsh, said: “Whether it’s new pipelines or improvements at treatment works, there’s no doubt that we’re investing heavily in Skye & Lochalsh.

Our vision is that by 2010 customers throughout the area will have clearer, fresher drinking water and a cleaner environment. We’re also working closely with planners and developers to ensure that our investment helps the area grow. And all the while our charges remain low, so folk are getting real value for money.”

Kyle regional scheme - background

The Kyle Regional Water Supply has been several years in the making, due to the sensitive environment of the area. By working closely with a range of organisations, Scottish Water has managed to improve the quality and quantity of drinking water without damaging the environment.

Communities around Lochalsh – Dornie, Inverinate, Letterfearn, Ratagan, Sallachy and Shielbridge – used to receive their drinking water supplies from individual treatment works, which struggled to cope with the peaty burns. They are now connected to better quality water from Kyle treatment works which was already supplying Balmacara, Duirinish, Kyleakin, Kyle of Lochlash and Plockton.

Kyle water treatment works uses water from Loch Achaidh na h-Inich, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. A small weir at the loch will enhance the amount of water available but during severe drought conditions (estimated to be 1 in 30 years) water will be taken to the works through 12 kilometres of pipelines from an alternative source above Lochalsh Dam. This will prevent damage to Loch Achaidh na h-Inich, which is home to a rare species of dragonfly and a historic crannog.

Scottish Water's 2010 Vision for Skye and Lochalsh

Other major Scottish Water projects in Skye & Lochalsh recently completed include:

• Earlish (Uig) £1.5million drinking water upgrade
• Portree £4.3million waste water upgrade
• Raasay £1.5million drinking water upgrade