Applecross RAS road closure – Q&A

Why are the road closures happening?

Bakkafrost Scotland’s aim is to be the leading sustainable salmon producer in Scotland and as part of our journey to get there, we have been granted permission to install a 16.5-mile cable along the Bealach to take power from the Allt Na Moine Hydro Scheme to our Kishorn hatchery.

The project will:

Provide 100% renewable energy to the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facility
Remove fuel tanker journeys from Inverness to Kishorn
Provide continued environmental and economic benefits

How long will the road be closed?

The road will be open as normal during the day throughout the initial works in 2024. During this period, the road will be closed for 8-10 weeks, from 8pm each night through to 7am the following morning. Drivers will be diverted to follow the coast road via Shieldaig.

We understand that many have asked for a shorter period of closure each night. We plan to have 3 teams of workers working 11 hours per night whilst the nights are still relatively light and long. Working to this timescale is necessary to ensure the safety of all workers, and means we can complete the job before the winter weather conditions.

You can see a map of the effected roads, here.

What works are being done?

Initially, a trench of up to 1metre will be dug and into this there will be two ducts installed. The ground will be reinstated and compacted, and cold tarmac laid.

Once the Applecross stretch has been completed, two cables will then be pulled and jointed.

Next spring, it is planned that the upper section of the Bealach will be resurfaced, offering extra grip. In addition to improving 21 passing places, an extra passing place will be constructed, all in all significantly improving road safety. We aim to conclude all works by the end of spring 2025.

You can learn more about the work, here.

Will this affect emergency services?

Special procedures have been put in place as part of the Traffic Management Plan and TTRO which the Council has approved to ensure that emergency vehicles will have access.

Why does the road need to close from 8pm through to 7am?

We understand that many have asked for a shorter period of closure each night. We plan to have 3 teams of workers working 11 hours per night whilst the nights are still relatively light and long, which means we can complete the job before the winter weather conditions. Working to this timescale is necessary to ensure the safety of all workers.

We aim to:

Reduce the number of times of closure
Keep all workers safe
Reduce any risks
Complete works quickly

Have you considered the local community in the planning of this project?

The planning process commenced with a local community consultation in 2022 as part of a Pre-Planning Application. Since then, a public meeting was held in February 2023 and follow up meetings held in 2023 and 2024, with representatives of the Community Council.

We appreciate the help and assistance of the local communities in which we work.

What is the purpose of the project?

Currently, there isn’t sufficient National Grid capacity for the Applecross RAS facility, so it is reliant on diesel generation which is not sustainable.

Will the cable be underground?

The cable will be almost entirely underground, except for a short section in the Coire where it is too steep to bury. Here, 11 wooden poles are scheduled to be constructed in early 2025 which will take the cable over ground.

Will the cable be safe?

The cable is 100% safe and, once buried, will require only minimal maintenance for the next 20 years.

As with any electric installation, the cable carries electricity and should not be touched or handled by any non-qualified personnel.

Can I claim compensation for inconvenience to me?

The project will deliver considerable environmental and economic benefits to the region as well as the road improvement.

As with all closures mandated by the Roads department, there is no opportunity for personal or business compensation.

How can I get more details?

Please email communities@bakkafrost.com