Highland hydro link brings renewable power to Applecross facility
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP David Green and Bakkafrost Scotland managing director Ian Laister in front of the hydro power house.
A 26.5 kilometre underground cable across Bealach na Bà is now supplying renewable electricity to Bakkafrost Scotland’s Applecross freshwater facility, following a partnership with Foster Turner Hydro.
The connection links the facility to the Allt na Moine hydro scheme and is believed to be Europe’s longest private-wire electricity connection. It began supplying power on September 9 and was officially opened today (THURS) by Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP David Green.
The project addresses electricity supply challenges for both businesses. Foster Turner Hydro had developed a two-megawatt hydroelectric scheme capable of generating around 10 million kilowatt hours of renewable electricity annually – enough to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 4,000 homes – but faced years of delays securing a connection to the national grid. Bakkafrost Scotland, meanwhile, needed more electricity for its expanding facility and had relied on diesel generators because of grid capacity constraints.
The Applecross freshwater facility supports 45 skilled local jobs. Green visited the hydro scheme on the Applecross peninsula and Bakkafrost Scotland’s facility at Kishorn, meeting representatives from the businesses and local community.
“I was delighted to visit the Allt na Moine hydro scheme in Applecross today to see how two businesses have worked together to deliver an ambitious renewable energy project that supports jobs and rural development in this part of the Highlands,” said David Green.
“In particular, it was impressive to learn about the efforts that were made to lay 26.5 kilometres of underground cable across Bealach na Bà, linking the hydro scheme to Bakkafrost Scotland’s Applecross facility.
“Engineering feats of this kind show that preservation of the landscape can be possible while still delivering ambitious and essential renewable energy generation across the north.
“The economic impact of the dozens of jobs supported by Bakkafrost Scotland is also significant for the local community. We must remember that such numbers would equate to hundreds of jobs in an urban context.”
Laying the cable along the steep, winding route involved overnight construction work during winter to minimise disruption. The work also improved the Bealach na Bà road, with a new passing place, upgrades to 21 existing passing places and resurfacing along sections of the route.
The companies have also consulted local community representatives on further benefits for residents and families. Plans include Applecross’s first dedicated outdoor sports facility, offering year-round opportunities for football, shinty and tennis, a new community hub in the former church at Camusterrach, and improvements to the Applecross Heritage Centre. The projects are being progressed through a community benefit arrangement developed following consultation over the construction works.
Ian Laister, managing director of Bakkafrost Scotland, said: “This is an important project for Applecross and a strong example of how businesses can work together to deliver practical solutions that support rural Scotland.
“By unlocking locally generated renewable energy, we’ve helped strengthen vital infrastructure, support local employment and create lasting benefits for the wider community.
“Reliable and sustainable energy is essential for remote communities and businesses alike. This investment reduces dependence on diesel generation, makes greater use of renewable energy produced locally and demonstrates how rural enterprises can contribute to Scotland’s transition to a lower-carbon economy.
“We’re proud that this investment delivers benefits beyond our own operations. “Alongside supporting local jobs, it is helping improve infrastructure and community facilities, demonstrating how renewable energy projects can contribute to a thriving future for rural Scotland.”
Roy Foster, director of Foster Turner Hydro, said: “We were delighted to be involved in the inception and delivery of this landmark project, which demonstrates how locally generated green renewable electricity can power important businesses and create sustainable employment in rural Scotland.
“Allt na Moine’s hydro storage capability provides valuable flexibility, allowing clean generation to be matched more closely to demand.
“This innovative partnership makes better use of locally produced renewable energy while helping Bakkafrost remove reliance on fossil fuels.”
The connection has been designed to carry additional electricity from the national grid once planned upgrades are completed. Bakkafrost Scotland’s longer-term ambition is to eliminate diesel generation at Applecross altogether.
The project is another milestone for the Applecross facility, which was officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in May. It recently received the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Innovation at the Prosper Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards.
Applecross plays a central role in Bakkafrost Scotland’s One Summer at Sea approach, which involves rearing salmon for longer in freshwater before transferring them to sea as larger, stronger fish. The approach aims to improve fish health and welfare by reducing the time salmon spend in the marine environment and limiting their exposure to environmental challenges.
