River Ness faces powerful threats

Construction of the controversial ‘My Ness’ arts project continues at the Little Isle Pool of the River Ness, giving rise to serious concerns about the impact on the special environment of the area.

Further upstream, another project which threatens the safety of anglers and the quality of the town fishings is about to start.

Ground works for The Highland Council’s Archimedes Screw venture at the top of the Electric Burn will begin on Monday (May 17) when contractors P Bradley and Company of Coleraine, Northern Ireland, will move on site. The project includes the construction of a visitor centre around the twin screw hydro project. Works are expected to continue until early next year.

It is understood that the 92kW power generation from the screws will require one-third of the water flowing down the Red Braes Pool above the Holm Bridge.

Anglers fear this will have a signifiant negative impact on the fishings in the Red Braes — a major spawning area for salmon — and the Weir Pool. There are also grave concerns about the safety of fishing the west side of the Mill Stream, where fast water from the screws will re-enter the river, and how this flow will affect the bed of the river.

Inverness Angling Club president Alex Elliott is requesting a site meeting with the council to express the club’s concerns. The club will seek assurances that the council will mitigate any threats to the health and safety of anglers and to the quality of the fishings.

Location

Inverness Angling Club

Ness Walk
Inverness
Highlands

Email Contact

contact@invernessanglingclub.co.uk

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