Tongland power station, near Kirkcudbright, is part of the Galloway Hydro Scheme which was developed in the 1930s. The scheme has six power stations, eight dams and a network of tunnels, aqueducts, and pipelines which spans around 40 miles from north to south.

The project at Tongland is part of a wider £10m investment programme by Drax, which aims to protect and fully restore its historic hydro power stations.

As part of the refurbishment, Tongland Power Station’s exterior walls will receive a new concrete coating as well as a coat of mineral-based paint to protect the integrity of the building for decades to come.

The refurbishment works are being carried out by multi-disciplined specialist contractor Gunite (Eastern) Ltd.

Jim Cooper, technical sales manager (infrastructure) said: “I know that I speak for everyone here at Gunite (Eastern) when I say that we are all very much looking forward to working in partnership with Drax Hydro to deliver this prestigious project.”

Mike Wynd, Drax’s head of hydro, said: “The Galloway Hydro Scheme has been generating flexible, renewable electricity for almost 90 years, and this major refurbishment will ensure it continues to do so for many years to come.

“Scotland has a long and proud history of hydroelectricity, and with this series of multi-million-pound investments Drax is ensuring these power stations will play an important role for many years to come.”

Drax acquired the Galloway hydro scheme alongside the Lanark hydro scheme and the Cruachan pumped-hydro storage facility in Argyll in January 2019.