A new hydro scheme on the River Ness at Inverness has been officially opened with designers Mather & Co responsible for interpreting the site so that it would offer educational information about the project, climate change and more.
Called Hydro Ness, the scheme generates electricity using an Archimedes Screw - a hydraulic machine that dates back to the 3rd century BC and was used as a means of drawing water from a low level to a higher level.
The new Hydro Ness utilises infrastructure from a disused hydro scheme dating back to the 1920s and is expected to generate more than 500,000 kWh of renewable energy for the nearby Inverness Leisure Centre a year.
Mather & Co has developed an interpretive experience through the new landscaped area, which includes crafted benches, interpretive panels, lighting, a tree grate around the ‘jubilee tree’ and interpretation for a buried time capsule.
“The interpretive content is such a vital part of this project – we felt the nature of the setting and incredible steel structure demanded high-quality interpretation to help articulate key messaging,” said Martin MacDonald, Hydro Ness project manager.
“The content has really elevated the site and enhanced a fantastic and accessible green space. We’re really grateful for the creativity and enthusiasm Mather & Co has brought to the project.”
Mather & Co has developed an interpretive experience through the Hydro Ness site CREDIT: MATHER & CO
