Temporary path diversion near Whin Park

The Highland Council would like to notify members of the public that a temporary pathway diversion will be put in place week commencing 17 May near the Whin Park area of Inverness.

The section of the diversion will be where Bught Road meets the active travel route leading to the Torvean section of the canal.  

This temporary diversion is essential in ensuring public safety during the construction phase of the River Ness Hydro project  - a £2.55m self-financing project to install a 92kW ‘Archimedes Screw’ hydroelectric scheme and interactive visitor experience and STEM learning hub on the River Ness.

The project is a key element of the Councils commitment to deliver Net Zero and will be deliver the following benefits -

• carbon savings of 142,000kg CO2e per annum that will help the Council meet ambitious Climate and Ecological Emergency targets;
• providing approximately 50% of the electricity demand to Inverness Leisure Centre – one of the highest consuming buildings in Highland Council’s estate;
• further protecting the Council from future energy price increases, providing long-term financial stability;
• developing an innovative structure with in-built media content that will be fully accessible by the public and serve to enhance the visitor experience; and
• serving as a flagship project that aligns to the key aims of Highland Council - to be ambitious, sustainable and connected.

The project was due to be complete in 2020 but was delayed due to COVID-19. Temporary diversions will remain in place for the duration of the project, which is due to be fully commissioned by March 2022.