The partnership between salmon producers, Bakkafrost Scotland and Foster Turner Hydro connects the company's Applecross freshwater facility to the Allt na Moine hydro scheme through a 26.5 kilometre underground electricity cable across the famous Bealach na Bà mountain pass, north of Kyle of Lochalsh.
Believed to be Europe’s longest private-wire electricity connection, the project is helping reduce reliance on diesel-generated electricity while delivering improvements to local infrastructure and wider benefits for the Applecross community.
The project was officially opened by Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP David Green, who visited the Allt na Moine hydro scheme on the Applecross peninsula and met representatives from both businesses and the local community.
The MSP also visited Bakkafrost Scotland's freshwater facility at Kishorn, which supports 45 skilled local jobs and plays an important role in the area's economy.
Image: Bakkerfrost
The partnership provides a practical solution to longstanding electricity grid challenges faced by both businesses.
Foster Turner Hydro had developed a two-megawatt hydroelectric scheme capable of generating around 10 million kilowatt hours of renewable electricity annually – enough to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 4,000 homes – but faced years of delays securing a connection to the national grid.
Meanwhile, Bakkafrost Scotland needed additional electricity to support its expanding freshwater facility, with grid capacity constraints leaving it reliant on diesel generators.
By connecting the two sites directly, the businesses have found a way to make use of locally generated renewable electricity, strengthening the long-term energy supply of a major local employer and supporting its future in this remote part of Scotland.
Bakkafrost's Applecross hatchery in the Scottish Highlands. Image: Bakkafrost
The ambitious engineering project involved laying the underground cable across the steep and winding Bealach na Bà route, with some construction carried out overnight during winter to minimise disruption.
The connection began supplying renewable electricity to the Applecross facility in September, ahead of its official opening.
David Green, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP, said:
“I was delighted to visit the Allt na Moine hydro scheme in Applecross today to see how two businesses have worked together to deliver an ambitious renewable energy project that supports jobs and rural development in this part of the Highlands.
In particular, it was impressive to learn about the efforts that were made to lay 26.5 kilometres of underground cable across Bealach na Bà, linking the hydro scheme to Bakkafrost Scotland’s Applecross facility.
Engineering feats of this kind show that preservation of the landscape can be possible while still delivering ambitious and essential renewable energy generation across the north.
The economic impact of the dozens of jobs supported by Bakkafrost Scotland is also significant for the local community.
We must remember that such numbers would equate to hundreds of jobs in an urban context.”
The construction work has also delivered improvements to the Bealach na Bà road, including a new passing place, upgrades to 21 existing passing places and resurfacing along sections of the route.
Bakkafrost Scotland and Foster Turner Hydro have worked with local community representatives to identify projects that will provide further benefits for residents and families.
Plans include Applecross's first dedicated outdoor sports facility, providing year-round opportunities for football, shinty and tennis, alongside a new community hub in the former church at Camusterrach and improvements to the Applecross Heritage Centre.
The projects are being progressed through a community benefit arrangement developed following consultation over the construction works.
(From left) Director of Foster Turner Hydro, Roy Foster, Alba Energy founder and chairman Martin Foster, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP David Green and Bakkafrost Scotland managing director lan Laister, in front of the turbine . Image: Supplied
Ian Laister, managing director of Bakkafrost Scotland, said:
“This is an important project for Applecross and a strong example of how businesses can work together to deliver practical solutions that support rural Scotland.
By unlocking locally generated renewable energy, we've helped strengthen vital infrastructure, support local employment and create lasting benefits for the wider community.
Reliable and sustainable energy is essential for remote communities and businesses alike.
This investment reduces dependence on diesel generation, makes greater use of renewable energy produced locally and demonstrates how rural enterprises can contribute to Scotland's transition to a lower-carbon economy.
We're proud that this investment delivers benefits beyond our own operations. “Alongside supporting local jobs, it is helping improve infrastructure and community facilities, demonstrating how renewable energy projects can contribute to a thriving future for rural Scotland.”
Roy Foster, director of Foster Turner Hydro, said:
“We were delighted to be involved in the inception and delivery of this landmark project, which demonstrates how locally generated green renewable electricity can power important businesses and create sustainable employment in rural Scotland.
Allt na Moine's hydro storage capability provides valuable flexibility, allowing clean generation to be matched more closely to demand.
“This innovative partnership makes better use of locally produced renewable energy while helping Bakkafrost remove reliance on fossil fuels.”
The connection has also been designed to carry additional electricity from the national grid once planned upgrades are completed, supporting Bakkafrost Scotland's longer-term ambition to eliminate diesel generation at Applecross altogether.
The project marks another milestone for Bakkafrost Scotland's Applecross facility, which was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal in May.
The facility also recently received the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Innovation at the Prosper Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards.
Applecross plays a central role in Bakkafrost Scotland's One Summer at Sea approach, which involves rearing salmon for longer in freshwater before transferring them to sea as larger, stronger fish.
By reducing the time salmon spend in the marine environment, the approach aims to improve fish health and welfare by limiting their exposure to environmental challenges.