Hydro Ness is a flagship sustainability, self-financing project worth £2.67m, which has delivered a new 92kW ‘Archimedes Screw’ hydroelectric scheme and interpretive visitor experience located on the banks of the River Ness.
The hydroelectric scheme will generate electricity to power approximately
of the electricity use at Inverness Leisure Centre
We worked alongside the Highland Council to design and develop interpretation within the hydroelectric scheme.
Mather & Co’s role within the project was to create a site that offers educational information about the Hydro, climate change and other important topics for visitors and school groups. It is hoped this will contribute to their STEM learning - showing young enthusiasts a practical example of green engineering that can help contribute to a better Highland.
We developed an interpretive experience through the new landscaped area, which includes crafted benches, interpretive panels, lighting, a tree grate around the ‘jubilee tree’ and interpretation for the buried time capsule.
The interpretive content includes key messages such as how Hydro Ness works, the different ecology found around the River Ness, and our changing climate.
The Hydro Ness provides an engaging experience for all ages, using interpretation to promote several key messages across the site.
Through the interpretation, we wanted to showcase how science and nature can work together to make the world a better place and to encourage visitors to think about their personal impact on the environment.
