We are writing to you as the developers of Loch Kemp Storage, a 600MW pumped storage project located near
Whitebridge on the shore of Loch Ness.
We would like to share details of our project Ness Weir II with you. We are proposing to modify the existing Ness Weir
as this will better optimise the efficiency of existing and future pumped hydro and critically provide future resilience
against the impacts of climate change. As a result, local businesses, leisure users, fishing activity, those who use the
canal for boating and transportation, and others including pumped storage hydro will benefit from better management
of water levels in Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
Through the development of our Loch Kemp Storage proposals, we have identified challenges for many users of Loch
Ness as a result of a growing number of instances of low water levels, which are having a major adverse impact on
boat traffic navigating through the canal and in some cases flows in the River Ness.
We are proposing to modify the existing Ness Weir to allow for better management of water levels on Loch Ness,
future proofing it from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. This will provide vital resilience
for all who depend on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, including pumped storage hydro.
Loch Ness is an iconic part of Scotland’s landscape, known around the world for its beauty and dramatic scenery.
Over 200 years ago, the legendary Scottish Civil Engineer Thomas Telford created the engineering marvel the
Caledonian Canal. He created an east to west transportation route across Scotland along the Great Glen, including
Loch Ness. A key element of the Caledonian Canal design was Ness Weir (known locally as ‘Dochfour Weir’), the
point where Loch Dochfour and the River Ness come together. Ness Weir was designed to ensure the water levels
through Loch Ness and into the Caledonian Canal are maintained at a level which allows boats to transit through the
canal.
Across the UK, climate change is leading to more extreme variations in the weather, including longer, more frequent
periods of drought in the summer and more frequent flooding in the winter. Recent years have shown a clear
pattern emerging on Loch Ness, which shows that, during the summer, average water flows are reduced, impacting
water levels; and water levels then increase during the winter.
The modifications being proposed 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 weirBy doing this, water levels can be more effectively managed to future proof Loch Ness from the impacts of climate
change and extreme weather events, providing vital resilience for all who depend on Loch Ness and the Caledonian
Canal.
The modification of the weir would not change the existing operational maximum or minimum water levels on Loch
Ness, or the surrounding water network, or cause increased flood risk.
Stable water levels in Loch Ness will help to provide vital energy security in the UK, as it will optimise the operation of
existing and planned pumped storage hydro projects on Loch Ness, enabling maximum efficiency all year round.
Our plans for the Ness Weir II project preserve Thomas Telford’s engineering legacy, securing the future of all those
who enjoy and depend upon Loch Ness for work, leisure, or travel, as he intended.
Statera is now preparing for public consultation, with the submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to
Highland Council, and public consultation events scheduled for 19th
-21st November. A flyer is attached containing
further information about this public consultation.
We would be delighted to arrange a time to meet to discuss our aspirations further, preferably in person ahead of the
public consultation events in November.
To arrange a meeting, or if you have any further questions, please contact our consultation team on 0141 674 8680 or
by email at daisy.geissler@cavendishconsulting.com.
Whitebridge on the shore of Loch Ness.
We would like to share details of our project Ness Weir II with you. We are proposing to modify the existing Ness Weir
as this will better optimise the efficiency of existing and future pumped hydro and critically provide future resilience
against the impacts of climate change. As a result, local businesses, leisure users, fishing activity, those who use the
canal for boating and transportation, and others including pumped storage hydro will benefit from better management
of water levels in Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
Through the development of our Loch Kemp Storage proposals, we have identified challenges for many users of Loch
Ness as a result of a growing number of instances of low water levels, which are having a major adverse impact on
boat traffic navigating through the canal and in some cases flows in the River Ness.
We are proposing to modify the existing Ness Weir to allow for better management of water levels on Loch Ness,
future proofing it from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. This will provide vital resilience
for all who depend on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, including pumped storage hydro.
Loch Ness is an iconic part of Scotland’s landscape, known around the world for its beauty and dramatic scenery.
Over 200 years ago, the legendary Scottish Civil Engineer Thomas Telford created the engineering marvel the
Caledonian Canal. He created an east to west transportation route across Scotland along the Great Glen, including
Loch Ness. A key element of the Caledonian Canal design was Ness Weir (known locally as ‘Dochfour Weir’), the
point where Loch Dochfour and the River Ness come together. Ness Weir was designed to ensure the water levels
through Loch Ness and into the Caledonian Canal are maintained at a level which allows boats to transit through the
canal.
Across the UK, climate change is leading to more extreme variations in the weather, including longer, more frequent
periods of drought in the summer and more frequent flooding in the winter. Recent years have shown a clear
pattern emerging on Loch Ness, which shows that, during the summer, average water flows are reduced, impacting
water levels; and water levels then increase during the winter.
The modifications being proposed 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 weirBy doing this, water levels can be more effectively managed to future proof Loch Ness from the impacts of climate
change and extreme weather events, providing vital resilience for all who depend on Loch Ness and the Caledonian
Canal.
The modification of the weir would not change the existing operational maximum or minimum water levels on Loch
Ness, or the surrounding water network, or cause increased flood risk.
Stable water levels in Loch Ness will help to provide vital energy security in the UK, as it will optimise the operation of
existing and planned pumped storage hydro projects on Loch Ness, enabling maximum efficiency all year round.
Our plans for the Ness Weir II project preserve Thomas Telford’s engineering legacy, securing the future of all those
who enjoy and depend upon Loch Ness for work, leisure, or travel, as he intended.
Statera is now preparing for public consultation, with the submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to
Highland Council, and public consultation events scheduled for 19th
-21st November. A flyer is attached containing
further information about this public consultation.
We would be delighted to arrange a time to meet to discuss our aspirations further, preferably in person ahead of the
public consultation events in November.
To arrange a meeting, or if you have any further questions, please contact our consultation team on 0141 674 8680 or
by email at daisy.geissler@cavendishconsulting.com.
Andrew Troup
Development Director