Location:
Glen Affric is one of Scotland’s finest nature reserves, situated in the Scottish Highlands, approximately 25 miles SW of Inverness and is an area of intense beauty as well as a major contributor to hydroelectric power generation. The valley was severely disrupted when the power installations were built (1945-51) and nowadays the forest has claimed the upper hand to disguise the intrusion. All the water needed to run the Fasnakyle Power Station’s turbines comes from Glen Affric and the neighbouring Glen Cannich, via an extensive underground (»5 miles) pipeline.
Two approaches can be used when travelling to Glen Affric: via Beauly on the Moray Firth, or from Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness. Glen Affric is positioned roughly parallel to Loch Ness and is a very remote valley that is ringed by high mountains, contains lakes, rivers and a large area of the ancient Caledonian Forest (said to be the 4th largest remaining). The remoteness is a quality that appeals to those who need to “get away from it all” on occasion.
This valley has an amazing character in terms of flora and fauna, as well as a distinctive rugged character which commands respect. On the map below the pin is used to centre the map, follow the road west to “A381” and then head SW to the two lochs that are 10 miles beyond. This is Glen Affric.
Context:
The large scale adoption of hydroelectric power generation, in the UK, first took place in Northern Scotland, where the objectives were to provide economic electricity to a deprived area, to improve amenities and infrastructure, along with improved economic conditions to foster employment and business activities. The first objectives were achieved, the improvements in the local economy and business activities are nowadays acknowledged to have fallen short of the target.
As early as 1918, it was recognised that the Beauly and Affric area was one of the nine great sources of water power running to waste in the Highlands. However, it took 30 years to secure approval for the plan to harness this energy, after objections from land owners were overcome.
Between 1943 and 1967, the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board constructed 46 hydroelectric power stations grouped into 7 schemes and a further 11 separate power stations at other locations. One of the largest schemes was that carried out in Glen Affric, Glen Cannich and Glen Strathfarrar, known collectively as the Affric-Beauly Hydro Power scheme. The simplicity of the name disguises the sheer size of the operations in this area. Strathglass is the valley through which the Beauly River passes.
Planners chose underground stations for the scheme to protect the area’s scenic beauty. Fish Ladders were installed to cater for the indigenous salmon. Compensation water is released below the dams and several dams contain Borland fish lifts.
In all there are the six original power stations which came on line in the period 1951-63, in addition a further 4 “In-River” turbines have been added within the last 5 years in Glens Affric and Cannich. In-River Turbines use a simple weir to provide a head of water and do not require damming, thus eliminating the need for large reservoirs. To put this in perspective the original six power stations are rated between 2.4 and 69 MW, whereas the newer (In River) facilities are rated between 500 KW and 2 MW power output.
Loch Mheadhoin 
Loch Affric Lodge 
Sgurr na Lapaich through trees
In addition, the Strathglass tributary valleys (Affric, Cannich and Strathfarrar) are extremely sensitive areas in terms of flora and fauna, containing the 4th largest remaining area of the ancient Caledonian Forest. The remoteness of the Glens attracts wildlife that is normally absent elsewhere, Wildcats, Capercaillie and Golden Eagle are to be found in these valleys. Of course, Red Deer are also regularly encountered and are a welcome sight but it must be seen in context, as these estates are managed for deer stalking. Now that the major hydro-power projects are completed and mature, the forestry and lochs within the valleys are restored to a much-improved condition and are a prize for nature lovers.
Rick Spurgeon, 10-Jan-2021
Glen Affric Contact Sheet for Reference:
