The Dam Builders: Power from the Glens

By: James Mark Miller

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Synopsis: This history of Scottish hydropower vividly chronicles the mid-20th century public works projects that transformed the Highlands. In the thirty years after the Second World War, the construction projects of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board changed the face of the Highlands. They brought electricity to nearly every region north of the Highland Line. Founded by Scotland&’s idealistic Secretary of State Tom Johnston, these epic projects of hard labor in beautiful landscapes gave hope to Highland communities. By the time the last scheme was opened in Foyers in 1975, the engineers had built some fifty major dams and power stations, almost 200 miles of tunnel, 400 miles of road, and over 20,000 miles of power line. The Board had to overcome adverse weather and difficult terrain, as well as political opposition. The Dam Builders is a vivid account of these historic projects and includes eyewitness stories from many of the workers who made the electrification of the Highlands a reality.