There was a good turnout for our first AGM, 48 members plus a number of partners and friends.  As required of an AGM the meeting approved the accounts and elected directors, several new faces joining the board.  It then heard about the progress and challenges of making the hydro scheme happen.  In the near future minutes from the meeting and a copy of the presentation will be available on the website.

Another milestone – the contract for the on site construction work went out to tender this week.  This contract covers the excavation, concrete foundations, turbine house, pipework, in short everything required to prepare the site for the installation of the generating equipment.

Provided the City of Edinburgh completes the legal paperwork for the lease (heads of terms were approved by the Councillors in March 2013) there should be visible signs of progress by this summer with an autumn completion being the target.

The Chancellor’s budget announcements proposed some changes to EIS eligibility and some members have been asking if this affects us.

We have inquired and all the advice is that the likely changes will not affect Hydro or Community ventures.  However until the Finance Bill is published (circa June) no one is certain; even HMRC can’t be anymore definite than that.

The contract for the on site civil work is almost ready to go out to tender, the aim being to be on site April/May this year. We think we have all the technical and contractual details in hand but need someone on site while work is being done.  In short we are looking for a Clerk of Works, someone who has construction experience and will be our ‘eyes and ears’ while work is being undertaken.  If you think you might be interested. or know someone who might be, then please use the Contact Us button to record an expression of interest.

A big step forward . . . we’ve ordered the turbine!!

Many will remember the early Harlaw Hydro leaflet advertising the April share launch.

Yipee its Raining

The picture was taken by Mike Molleson, part of the Harlaw Hydro team, and was awarded the Currie & Balerno News photograph of the year. Mike was presented with his prize at the members meeting in November.

Another landmark approaches.  Having analysed the water flow information and considered all the options our design engineers, Adrian Laycock Ltd, have recommended the turbine, generator and controls best suited to our scheme.  The technical team have reviewed and accepted the recommendations and expect to be able to place an order early in the new year.

All Harlaw Hydro Limited members are cordially invited to a Shareholders Update Meeting on Wednesday 20th November in St Joseph’s Hall, Balerno at 7:30pm.

A chance to hear first hand what progress has been made since the close of the share launch in July and to ask questions.

With the appointment of Adrian Laycock Ltd as design engineers for the scheme the project has now taken a significant step forward.  Adrian and his team have extensive experience with micro-hydro schemes and we look forward to working with them as we turn the dream into reality.

The City of Edinburgh has completed the repair to the main outflow from Harlaw Reservoir.  The pipe was leaking but now has a polymer lining; the repair was complex and took longer than expected but the end result is great success.  A full ‘valves open’ test was carried out in October.

Valve Closed

Valve Open