A NEW state of the art water treatment works (WTW) that was delivered by sea to a remote island beach has entered service.
The island of Harris’s westernmost communities of Gobhaig, Bedersaig and Huisinis will now have a single, improved water supply thanks to the completion of a £4.5 million investment by Scottish Water.
The new modular WTW was manufactured by RSE (Ross-shire Engineering) at its specialised facility in Muir of Ord, near Inverness. The innovative approach used has been developed via a partnership with Scottish Water to help meet the needs of rural and island communities efficiently and with reduced environmental impact.
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Before its arrival at Huisinis beach on a late evening high tide in July last year, the new WTW made the journey by road to Kishorn in Wester Ross, and then via a specialised barge. Final commissioning work and the completion of associated infrastructure was held up during lockdown, but was able to resume in the summer with reduced numbers on site and strict precautions in place.
The North Harris Trust played a key part in the project’s development as a community landowner.
Chairman of the North Harris Trust Calum Mackay said: “The pre-existing supplies for Gobhaig and Huisinis have struggled to meet demand in recent years, with regular need for extra water to be brought into the area by road at busier times. We are pleased that this investment will ensure a more reliable, secure and sustainable service for both communities’ future, as well as bringing mains water to Bedersaig for the first time.
“The new and improved water supply creates an opportunity for much needed housing and small business developments to take place, building on the work that the Trust has already delivered.”
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