Your Views: Do economics of Hydro Ness really add up?
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
One reader on what the real costs and return of the new hydro project in Inverness might be – plus views on BA flights, a local baker's award win and more.
Do economics of Hydro Ness really add up?
I agree with Nicky Marr (Courier, 9/5/22) that Hydro Ness is attractively designed and it is good to see a practical demonstration of an Archimedes screw. But, in terms of its educational function, I wonder if that will include economics.
It is reported that some £2.5 million of public funds have been invested in this project and that it will generate 550,000 kWh of electricity per annum. At the current tariff I am paying that electricity is worth around £150,000 per annum (although I imagine the council has a better deal with its electricity supplier so the value is likely to be less).
Contrary to the statement in the article, this energy is not entirely free. The annual operation and maintenance cost of a small hydro project is typically around 2.5 per cent of the capital cost, in this case around £62,500 per annum. So the net benefit can be estimated at £87,500 per annum.
To put the economics in perspective, I wonder how many households would invest £2500 in order to save £87.50 per annum.
To the extent that the capital cost cannot be justified by the value of the energy generated, a significant element of this investment is to add a pretty feature on the banks of the river which, to be fair, the article suggests.
George Rennie
Inverness
Help to map the nation’s paths for walkers
Ramblers Scotland has published the best-ever map of the nation’s paths – but needs your help to further improve it so that more Inverness people can get active.
The online Scottish Paths Map features hundreds of previously-hidden trails, including paths checked and recorded by more than 200 Ramblers volunteers across the nation.
Our Scottish Paths Map includes tens of thousands of miles of paths – from traffic-free city routes to relaxing loch-side trails. Many are ‘hidden’ trails not previously shown by Ordnance Survey.
While it’s the best-ever map of Scotland’s paths, we need communities to check their paths, to work to improve local routes so everyone in the local community has somewhere to walk.
That includes here in Inverness where our coverage can definitely still be improved so that more people can enjoy walks from their doorsteps.
It’s easy and fun to record trails using our simple app.
You can view the map and volunteer at ramblers.org.uk/scottishpathsmap
The Scottish Paths Map includes tens of thousands of miles of paths, using data collected by volunteers as well as from councils, national parks and charities.
It has already been viewed 61,000 times since launching last autumn.
Better mapping of the paths in Inverness can help give more people here the confidence and knowledge to get outdoors.
I’d urge all keen walkers in the area to consider volunteering.
Whether you just check one trail, or add dozens of hidden paths, you’ll be leaving a lasting legacy that supports walking in Inverness and the surrounding area.
Ramblers Scotland offer a short free online training course to all its mapping volunteers, as well as access to its free path checking software. Scottish Paths Map users are urged to exercise caution and remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, particularly as path audits will always be subjective.
Heath Brown
Community engagement officer
Ramblers Scotland
Online comment
Radio call is a bad decision for local voices
There has been more comment on moves by local radio station MFR to centralise more of its content, including its breakfast time broadcast.
“Sad loss to local area radio… poor centralised decision and MFR will soon be a Central Scotland outpost... Dan and Grace provided brilliant local and national cover, and entertainment… more bland pop tunes and less local craic.” – Harry Corbett, Portmahomack
Voting system for councils fails to please
Last week’s local elections saw many new faces elected to Highland Council, but not everyone is happy with the voting system used for the poll, where candidates are ranked in order of preference and individual wards have a number of different councillors.
Do you have a different view?
“I find it unbelievable that this voting system was ever adopted. First past the post reflects wishes of the community more fairly.” – Michael Cormack, Inverness
City bakery rises to the occasion at awards
Inverness’s Three Little Bakers has been named Scottish baker of the year. Owned by husband and wife Paddy and Jane Murphy it has three outlets – in Cradlehall, Hilton and the city’s Harbour Road – and beat almost 60 other forms to take the crown.
“Absolutely well deserved!! Contacted them recently concerning a particular order and they could not have been more helpful. That’s on top of having the best selection and quality of bakery goods anywhere! Well done.” – Sheila Duguid, Inverness
Flights reduction ‘could have been worse’
British Airways announced a reduction in its Inverness to Heathrow service, citing a “challenging time” for aviation. But as one reader suggests, it could have been worse.
“Better than cancelling it a week before you are due to fly which they have done to me twice in the last three months. Booked BA for a Heathrow connection each time so totally messed up each trip.” – Jenny Smith, Inverness
Letters should be emailed to newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk. Please include your address and a daytime telephione number. You can also tweet us @InvCourier or comment on Facebook @invernesscourier
Related articles: NICKY MARR: Hydro site combines function with beauty
MFR changing up breakfast show
British Airways to reduce flights between Inverness Airport and London Heathrow
The Three Little Bakers crowned Scottish Baker of the Year
