Renewables Case Studies

Glendoe Hydro Electric Scheme | Fort Augustus

Glendoe Hydro Electric Scheme

Negotiating terms for landowners hosting a major SSE Hydro scheme including new reservoir.

Brief

Bell Ingram was instructed by two estate owners on whose property SSE proposed to build the Glendoe Hydro Scheme, near Fort Augustus. The proposed scheme was to incorporate a new, 200 hectare reservoir and an underground power station, with capacity of 100MW. Bell Ingram’s remit was to negotiate terms with SSE for the proposed scheme.

Process

Working closely with each Estate, Bell Ingram negotiated terms with SSE to enable the Hydro scheme to be built and operated. These terms included the purchase of land for an underground power station and a 1km dam, a lease for the reservoir area and servitude rights for 8km of tunnels, 12km of pipelines, 25km of access road and 10 intakes. The terms negotiated covered compensation during construction, including loss of sporting, along with consideration for the rights required to install and operate all the infrastructure. Short term leases were also negotiated for a number of construction camps and laydown areas with the construction contractors.

Outcome

Agreements were signed by both Estates for the construction and operation of the hydro scheme. Construction lasted over a three year period and during the construction phase, Bell Ingram continued to provide advice to the Estates. We negotiated further claims for disturbance compensation, including loss of timber and quantified stone and sand extraction. As the project progressed Bell Ingram also gave advice on restoration of the pipeline areas and temporary working areas. The Glendoe Hydro Scheme was officially opened in June 2009.

Article posted on 26/10/2021

Renewables Case Studies

Major Windfarm in the Scottish Highlands

Major Windfarm in the Scottish Highlands

Engaged by landowner to agree terms with SSE

Brief

Bell Ingram were asked by the owner of Stronelairg Estate, near Fort Augustus, to act on his behalf in agreeing terms with SSE for a major windfarm on the Estate. In addition, we were asked by the neighbouring Glendoe Estate to agree terms for the rights of access for the wind farm with SSE on their behalf.

Process

Working closely with the clients, Bell Ingram agreed Heads of Terms with SSE for a 66 turbine wind farm on Stronelairg Estate and rights of access across Glendoe Estate, assisting the clients’ solicitors with agreeing the Lease Terms. These terms included loss of sporting on Stronelairg due to the proposed construction of a large sub station in the middle of a grouse moor. In addition, we negotiated terms for a 3.5 km grid connection for the site.

Outcome

The wind farm was constructed between 2017 and 2018 and during construction Bell Ingram assisted clients over issues rising during the construction phase, including measuring quantities of stone and sand extracted from over 10 borrow pits and dealing with other construction matters. The windfarm of over 220MW capacity, successfully started exporting electricity in March 2018.

Article posted on 26/10/2021

Renewables Case Studies

Kinnaird Hydro Scheme, Pitlochry

Kinnaird Hydro Scheme, Pitlochry

Negotiation is key to securing water rights and installations for a hydro scheme

Brief

Bell Ingram were instructed by a landowning client to assist in developing a 250kw hydro scheme on his estate. The hydro scheme, which would take water from Kinnaird Burn (located on the boundary of the estate), required the negotiation with adjoining estate owners over water rights and for the installation of an intake. In addition other parties had rights to water from the burn and their agreement was required for the abstraction of water from the burn.

Process

Initially a cashflow was prepared by Bell Ingram and the levels of rent to be offered to the third parties was agreed with the client. Negotiations were then held with the adjoining estate owners and their agents for the terms for the leases for both water rights and the installation of an intake. Negotiations were also held with two other interested parties over securing their agreement to grant rights to abstract water for the scheme. Having reached agreement on Heads of Terms with adjoining landowners, these were incorporated into draft leases which Bell Ingram assisted the client’s lawyers in preparing and agreeing with all the interested parties.

Outcome

Assistance was also given to the client in the planning application and in negotiations with SEPA and with a number of other objectors to the scheme, which included the local Fisheries Board and Angling Club. The scheme was subsequently built in late 2008 and has been operational ever since, with leases and agreements in place with the adjoining landowners. Bell Ingram now manage the accounts for the hydro scheme, including sale of electricity and securing ROC and other payments.

Article posted on 26/10/2021