A historic bridge that forms part of the Galloway hydroelectric power scheme in south west Scotland will be refurbished under a programme it is thought could help extend the life of the asset for years.
Energy giant Drax said it expects to spend around £6 million on the work on the 103-meter Glenlochar Barrage, which spans the river Dee.
Drax said the barrage, which was built in 1934, is a critical component of Galloway Hydro Scheme. This can produce enough renewable electricity to power 218,000 homes.
The six sluice gates on the barrage regulate the flow of water from Loch Ken to Tongland power station.
Ian Kinnaird, Drax’s Head of Hydro, said: “The Galloway Hydro Scheme has been generating flexible, renewable electricity for almost a century, and this major refurbishment will ensure it continues to do so for many years to come.”
Drax acquired the Galloway scheme with a portfolio it bought from ScottishPower in 2018, in a £700 million deal.
READ MORE: Energy giant considering plans for massive investment in power plant in Argyll hills
The portfolio also includes the Cruachan pumped hydro storage power station in Argyll and the Lanark hydro scheme on the banks of the river Clyde.
The Lanark scheme has been in operation since 1927.
Last year Drax completed a £1m refurbishment of the A-listed Stonebyres power plant on the banks of the river Clyde that forms part of the scheme.
Drax has said it could invest hundreds of millions of pounds in expanding the Cruachan plant wit the right official encouragement.
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