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Glenlia Tunnel [Intake]

Foyers, Inverness-shire.

Tunnel, Hydro-electric scheme.

"Water from the reservoir was conveyed along the original course of the River Foyers to the top of the Upper Falls of Foyers. From there a tunnel was cut through solid rock for 0.5 miles (0.80 km) and the water continued through cast iron pipes to the [original Foyers] generating station. The pipes were 30 inches (76 cm) in diameter, and were laid in a trench, to be covered with sand. This provided a head of 350 feet (110 m) to the turbines, and although there was some debate as to whether cast iron pipes could withstand such pressure, no issues were experienced." [Wiki]

Old OS maps show a penstock point at [NH 4985 2065] that was probably the N extent of the tunnel, & an adjacent level at [49824 20609] that was possibly used as an access point for maintenance. The level mouth area now appears to exist as a barriered depression along the B852 roadside.

Alternative Names: Falls of Foyers Tunnel

Notes: Given length approx. Straight line distance from intake point to the labelled penstock point is c.680m.

Dashed lines marked on the 1902 OS map probably reflect the cut-and-cover area used for burying the penstock pipes which led to the (old) power station / aluminium works at [NH 4970 2104].

Hydrographic Feeds: River Foyers