Hydro Ness visitor experience has officially opened on the River Ness with the environment firmly in mind.

The project has been possible through the Highland Council in partnership with design company, Mather & Co.

Visitor attraction designers, Mather & Co have worked in partnership with the Highland Council ‘to design and develop interpretation within the hydroelectric scheme.’ 

Hydro Ness is, according to Mather & Co, ‘a flagship sustainability, self-financing project worth £2.67m, which has delivered a new 92kW ‘Archimedes Screw’ hydroelectric scheme and interpretive visitor experience on the River Ness.’

The visitor experience highlights the importance of the environment through providing educational information about the Hydro, climate change and other important topics for visitors and school groups. The aim is to provide a practical example of green engineering to aid the sustainability of the Highland area.

Mather & Co have created an ambience of crafted benches, interpretive panels, lighting, a tree grate around the ‘jubilee tree’ and interpretation for the buried time capsule.

Hydro Ness focusses on bringing science and nature together for a more sustainable world and ‘to encourage visitors to think about their personal impact on the environment.’

The hydroelectric scheme will generate electricity using a hydro turbine to power approximately 50% of the electricity use at Inverness Leisure Centre. 

Malissa Geersing, Senior Project Designer at Mather & Co said: “It has been an honour to work with the team on the interpretive design of the Hydro Ness project, which illustrates the power of the river promoting sustainability and helps to inspire future generations.”

Martin MacDonald, Hydro Ness Project Manager said: “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. The content has really elevated the site and enhanced a fantastic and accessible green space. We are really grateful for the creativity and enthusiasm Mather & Co have brought to the project.”