APP2026-00000192 (CAR/L/1004606) Garbhaig Hydro Power Company Limited, Garbhaig Hydro, Victoria Falls, Achnasheen, IV22 2HW EASR Variation- Consultation under Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR)

Overview

Anyone who carries out certain activities that may affect the water environment must have an authorisation from SEPA, under The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). When we receive an application for a new activity or to modify an existing activity, as part of our determination we will consider the risks to the water environment (including potential impacts to species and habitats), and the interests of other users of the water environment.

If we decide to grant or vary an authorisation it will include conditions to protect the water environment. The person authorised to carry on the activity must do so in accordance with the conditions of the authorisation.   

We may also review the conditions of an existing authorisation from time to time to make sure they are still effective in achieving these aims.

Application details

We have received an application from Garbhaig Hydro Power Company Limited at Garbhaig Hydro Scheme, Victoria Falls, Achnasheen, IV22 2HW  to vary their existing authorisation APP2026-00000192 (CAR/L/1004606)  at Garbhaig Hydro Scheme, Victoria Falls, Achnasheen, IV22 2HW to:

• Provide additional reservoir storage for the scheme by raising the existing dam by 4 metres. It is proposed to achieve this by lengthening the wing walls and raising the spillway of the original structure and;
• Increase the catchment area available to the hydro scheme. It is proposed to achieve this by constructing five new intakes on the upper tributaries of the River Talladale. The abstracted water will be conveyed from this catchment by a pipe to Loch Garbhaig (partially via a burn flowing into the Loch). 

A summary of their application is available below:

• Non-technical summary 
• Activity form 

Why your views matter

This is your opportunity to let us know your views on the application. The consultation will be open for 28 days from date of publication. We will consider any comments received between 22/05/2026 and 19/06/2026 before issuing the final decision.

Your comments will not be published on our public register unless you request us to do so.