The first phase of a £21 million project which will provide a single, improved water supply for Scottish Water customers in Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston is underway.

Work has started at the top of the canal locks in Fort Augustus to complete a 315 metre drilled twin pipe crossing beneath the Caledonian Canal and the River Oich. The crossing will provide a greatly improved connection between the north and south of the village, as part of a wider package of improvements that will be delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner ESD.

By 2020, a new state of the art Water Treatment Works will be in place just south of Invermoriston to provide both communities with a high quality and resilient supply of clear, fresh drinking water from Loch Ness. A new water main will connect Fort Augustus and Invermoriston for the first time, largely following the route of the Great Glen Way.

ESD’s Project Manager for the work Kelton Bennett said:

“We are pleased to have started with the first stage of construction in what will be a significant project for the area.

“The river and canal crossing in Fort Augustus is a key link in the village’s water network. The new twin crossing will be drilled about 10 metres beneath the bed of the canal and the river, providing a big improvement to security of supply for Scottish Water customers in advance of our other work.”

Scottish Water Corporate Affairs Manager Gavin Steel said:

“Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston experience significant seasonal variations in their population as a result of tourism. The investment we are delivering will make sure that we can provide customers with clean, fresh and great-tasting water from Scotland and the UK’s largest water source. It will also ensure we can support growing communities and economic development in the heart of the Great Glen.”