The development will bring local economic benefit through employment of local business throughout the development stage, and of contractors during construction. The Braan Hydro Scheme will benefit local tourism in the area through the proposed development of the extension to the Braan woodland walk to form a circular link to Hermitage Bridge. At the powerhouse site, which is adjacent to the proposed woodland walk extension, an interpretative board will be used to inform visitors about the hydro scheme and the local area.

Water recreational activities, such as white water rafting and canoeing, will for the most part not be affected by the operation of the hydro scheme. Any affects will be confined to a short 1kilometre (km) stretch of the 18km long river. The affects to these actives on this short stretch of the River Braan will be mitigated by agreeing 10 days per year during high flow conditions were the scheme would cease operation.

There is the potential of a community fund, which would be paid for by the project, and administered locally. Community funds have been established at other renewable energy schemes and have been found to benefit a wide range of local community groups and good causes giving the local community a direct benefit.

The combination of all of these measures is intended to enhance and maintain tourist and recreational interests in the Strathbraan area while allowing the development, construction and operation of the scheme to remain economically and technically viable.

back

top