Water main upgrade helps to open Dores

Scottish Water and its delivery partner Morrison Construction have completed the delivery of an upgraded water main to serve the village of Dores at the north-eastern end of Loch Ness.

The project saw just under 3 kilometres of water main replaced, extending from Aldourie Primary School to Dores, as well within the village itself.

While renewing the pipes that bring a supply of clear, fresh and great-tasing drinking water to customers in the village, the publicly-owned water company took the opportunity to increase the diameter of the pipe. This will provide the capacity to support the community’s growth in the years ahead, including planned provision of further affordable homes.

Scottish Water’s Project Manager Hugh MacPherson said: “We’re very pleased to have completed the delivery of a vital piece of infrastructure for our customers in Dores, which will serve the community well for many years to come.

“Delivery of this kind of work is rarely without challenges, but the team on site has risen to every issue they’ve encountered – from working with sensitivity in areas of archaeological interest, to engaging with both young and less young members of the local community to minimise disruption and keep everyone safe.”

With the water main upgrade beginning next to Aldourie Primary School, the importance of engagement with children and parents was identified at an early stage.

Morrison Construction Site Agent Tom McClenaghan said: “We were really delighted to spend time with the school, letting the children get a real understanding of the work we were doing.

“Judging by the enthusiasm shown and some of the excellent questions we were asked, we won’t have far to look for the engineers of the future.

“There was an important message about safety – and the artwork the children produced really showed they had understood that. The fantastic posters they produced helped remind everyone around the site on a daily basis.”

Louise Robertson, Head Teacher, Aldourie Primary School said: “The team’s fantastic engagement with the pupils gave a great opportunity for them to understand a bit more about the work Morrison Construction was carrying out in our area, as well as highlighting the importance of health and safety and protective measures.”