Hollow Mountain: Our Story

Life Inside ‘The Hollow Mountain’: Celebrating 60 Years of Cruachan Power Station

Nestled in Argyll and Bute, in the shadow of Ben Cruachan, lies a remarkable feat of engineering: Cruachan Power Station. For six decades, this hydroelectric plant, burrowed deep within the heart of ‘The Hollow Mountain’, has been a vital source of power for Scotland. As the station celebrates its 60th anniversary and embarks on a major upgrade, we take a look at the people who keep this essential facility running.

A Family Affair: The People of Cruachan

Cruachan Power Station is more than just a power plant; it’s a community. The 30-40 employees, from seasoned veterans to eager apprentices, share a sense of pride and camaraderie in their work. Steve Scott, the Plant Manager, describes it as a “family environment,” noting that the 60th-anniversary celebrations would bring together generations of employees, from those in their 80s to teenage apprentices. The anniversary also serves as a time to remember the 15 individuals who tragically lost their lives during the construction of Cruachan.

How Cruachan Works: A Giant Battery for Scotland

Cruachan functions as a pumped storage hydroelectric power station, essentially a massive battery. During periods of low electricity demand, water is pumped from Loch Awe up to a reservoir at the Cruachan Dam. When demand surges, this water is released through the power station’s four turbines, generating 440MW of electricity – enough to power half a million homes within 30 seconds. A current £80 million upgrade project aims to increase this capacity to 480MW, improving flexibility and response time.

Steve Scott explains that Cruachan was groundbreaking when it was first built in 1965, being the first reversible pumped storage hydro power station of its scale in the world. While modern technology has allowed for quicker start-up and turnaround times, the fundamental physics remain the same.

Symbiosis with Renewables: A Green Energy Partnership

Cruachan plays a critical role in supporting the integration of wind and solar power into the national grid. As Scott notes, Scotland isn’t always sunny or windy. When these renewable sources are unavailable, Cruachan can quickly step in to generate electricity. Unlike wind and solar, which are dependent on weather conditions, Cruachan can be switched on and off as the market requires, ensuring a reliable and secure energy supply.

Community Engagement: Investing in the Future

Cruachan Power Station is deeply invested in the local community. As part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations, 200 schoolchildren from across Argyll were invited to design a card commemorating the occasion. Winners received prize money, and their schools were awarded STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) grants. An exhibition showcasing the competition artwork and historic photos of Cruachan is planned for later in the year.

Sarah Cameron, the Community Manager, is responsible for delivering the educational and community outreach programme. This involves supporting local needs, delivering STEM activities in schools, and overseeing the visitor centre. The Drax Foundation, the company’s corporate community investment programme, supports local charities and non-profit organisations, funding projects such as rainforest restoration, hydropower STEM learning, and initiatives to tackle fuel poverty.

A Boost to the Local Economy: Jobs and Opportunities

Cruachan’s presence has been a significant boon to the local economy. Beyond the staff directly employed at the station, there are numerous local suppliers who rely on its operations. In a rural area like Argyll and Bute, high-quality jobs can be scarce. Cruachan has helped to change this, fostering growth and opportunity. Since Drax took over the running of Cruachan six years ago, they have focused on bringing in new people through apprenticeships, working with local schools like Oban High School. Six apprentices have been taken on, with three now established as fully-fledged technicians.

A Young Engineer’s Perspective: Owen Moran’s Journey

Owen Moran, an Apprentice Engineer, embodies the promise of Cruachan’s investment in the future. Having grown up locally, he was always aware of the power station. After completing two work experience placements from Oban High School, he applied for an apprenticeship. He describes his first visit to the turbine hall, a kilometre below the surface, as awe-inspiring. He has gained technical engineering knowledge, hands-on experience, and increased confidence. Moran feels proud to be part of Cruachan’s legacy, especially as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

A Long-Serving Employee: Alison Boyce’s Story

Alison Boyce, the Technical Services Co-ordinator, is one of the longest-serving members of staff at Cruachan, having worked there for 37 years. She started as a maternity cover planning assistant and has seen the station evolve over the decades. Her role encompasses everything from office management and facilities to staff training and procurement. She fondly recalls visiting Cruachan as a child and remembers the affection the community has for “the jewel in the crown.” She believes Cruachan offers a fabulous opportunity and potentially a job for life for young people.

The Future of Cruachan: Upgrades and Longevity

The ongoing upgrade project will ensure that Cruachan can continue to strengthen UK energy security and support the clean energy transition. It will provide greater flexibility to the National Grid and secure jobs for many people, while also providing ongoing skills and opportunity for local youth. As Steve Scott puts it, the upgrade will ensure that Cruachan is here for a long time into the future.