Naming Competition for new hydroelectric generator

The Highland Council is building a new hydroelectric generator and interactive visitor experience on the River Ness. The generator uses an Archimedes Screw to harness the energy of the water flowing down the River Ness.

The building and the interactive visitor experience are being developed to inspire people and the Council is inviting school pupils from across the Highlands to design a poster and think up a name which captures the main themes of the Hydro project: Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Climate Change and STEM Learning.

The competition is open to any pupil or group of pupils from Highland primary or secondary schools, and after-school or extracurricular clubs can also take part.

As well as the chance to name a unique, landmark attraction that will operate for 50+ years, the winning class will also get the following prizes:

• A complimentary activity for the entire class provided by Highlife Highland
• A plaque at the scheme with school name and class details to highlight your help in naming our scheme
• A 3D model of the Hydro scheme for your class to keep

In addition to the winning entry, the top 10 poster designs will be placed on-site during the construction of the Hydro to help inform the public and keep the builders inspired.

To take part pupils should design their poster - which should include the name they have chosen for the Hydro scheme - and email it (as a document, pdf or photo) by Friday 5th November 2021 to carbonclever@highland.gov.uk. All emailed entries should also include details of everyone who has been involved in the design.

The Chair of The Highland Council’s Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson is encouraging schools to take part. He said: “This exciting new hydro project will serve as a flagship for the Highland Council’s response to climate change and will be operating for many years to come so we are looking to our young people to get creative. It is quite a challenge to find a fitting name and poster design that captures the essence of this ambitious project, but I have every confidence in the talents of our pupils. There is a tight timescale as the deadline is only just over a week away so good luck.”