Sloy-Awe Hydro-Electric Power Scheme

The Loch Sloy Hydro-Electric Scheme is a hydro-electric facility situated between Loch Sloy and Inveruglas on the west bank of Loch Lomond in Scotland. It is also within the Arrochar Alps. The site was originally suggested as the location of a huge pumped-storage scheme in 1936 by Edward MacColl, but this was rejected as being uneconomic. After the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board was created in 1943, it became the first of their proposed schemes. Its start was delayed due to objections which resulted in a public enquiry being held, which authorised the scheme in 1945. Construction was further delayed by a chronic shortage of labour and appalling weather. A massive buttress dam was used to raise the level of Loch Sloy, and the power station was built on the banks of Loch Lomond. The two were connected by a tunnel through Ben Vorlich and surface pipes nearer to the power station. The catchment for Loch Sloy was increased significantly, by building a network of pipes, tunnels and open aqueducts to capture water from surrounding streams. When they were installed in 1950, the four generator sets were the largest installed in Britain. Electricity generation began in February 1950, and there was an official opening ceremony in October, when Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother officiated. Historic Scotland has designated the power-station building and the dam as listed buildings. A plaque in the power station commemorates the 21 men who died during the construction, and the facility is operated by Scottish and Southern Energy.