Hydro-Electric Development in Scotland

Abstract

THIS is an opportune time for any information about rainfall and run off in the area comprised in the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Bill now before Parliament (see NATXJUE, Feb. 13, pp. 177 and 187). Before us we have two reports and a memorandum by Captain W. N. McClean, founder and director of the River Flow Records Organization. The first report is on “River Flow Records of the Ness Basin 1929-1942”. It describes the measurements made on the rivers feeding into Loch Ness and on the River Ness which drains the Loch. The report shows that the author has had to carry out his work with very limited means for equipment, maintenance and labour—clearly much of the latter has been voluntary. As the local authorities of Inverness have now agreed to maintain the author's records of the Ness Basin, their value is obvious. The second ' report, published in January last, is on “The Water Resources of Loch Quoich”. This Loch feeds Loch Garry, which in turn feeds Loch Oich—a small loch near Loch Ness on the Caledonian Canal. Capt. McClean regards Loch Quoich as one of the sources of possible water-power and one of the gems of Scottish scenery. From records over some twelve years, he has no doubt that 15,000 kilowatts continuously can be developed here without considerable cost in dam construction for storage.