Sue Restan
A picturesque Hebridean island – with a population that trebles during the summer – should suffer fewer cuts to its water supply after the installation of a new £1.4million main.
Scottish Water is replacing the ageing facility on Iona in the Inner Hebrides, which suffered a burst in the past year.
And now, residents and holiday-makers are being promised a more reliable supply when the new 0.8-mile pipeline is installed under the Sound of Iona, linking with the network on Mull.
Work on the project is due to begin next week and last for about six weeks.
The scenic locale’s community council convener, John MacLean, said: “Scottish Water made sure it opened dialogue, which included a presentation to the island community.
“And it is pleasing to know they are undertaking this work behind the scenes to help the island with its supply of drinking water.
“Having fresh water is something that we can often take for granted, so as residents, we fully support the work and look forward to benefiting from increased water security.”
The plastic pipeline, housed in a metal casing, will be laid over the sea-bed from the back of a specialist barge.
Scottish Water is working to ensure that the switch to the new water pipe will not result in any disruption to supply.
Its regional communities manager Ruaridh MacGregor said: “This project has been well received by the community.
“The new pipeline being installed will significantly improve the resilience of the island’s water supply, which had suffered a burst in the past year.”