Drax has completed a £2 million refurbishment of Tongland Power Station, one of the six hydroelectric facilities that make up Scotland’s Galloway Hydro Scheme.
Located near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, Tongland Power Station was commissioned as part of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, which was developed in the 1930s. The scheme comprises a network of dams, reservoirs and power stations that has supplied renewable electricity to Scotland for generations.
The refurbishment focused on restoring the exterior of the power station using specialist materials to protect the historic structure. Tongland is designated as a Category A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland in recognition of its role in the development of hydropower and its architectural significance.
The project also included improvements to the site’s exhibition space, allowing the station to resume hosting school visits.
Ian Kinnaird, Drax’s FlexGen Assets Director, said: “The Galloway Hydro Scheme has been generating flexible, renewable electricity for 90 years, and this major refurbishment means it will continue to do so for many more years to come.
“This was a complex project, with great care taken by Drax and our contracting partners to protect this historic building during the work. Tongland has been part of Scotland’s energy story for almost a century, so everyone involved should feel incredibly proud to see it looking as good as new.”
The refurbishment forms part of Drax’s wider investment programme across its Scottish hydro portfolio. Current projects include the installation of around 1500 solar panels across the Galloway and Lanark hydro schemes, completion of an £80 million upgrade at Cruachan Power Station, and a planned upgrade at the Glenlee hydroelectric site.
