SSEN donate boat to Kyle of Sutherland Angling Association

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) donated a new loch fishing boat to the Kyle of Sutherland Angling Association (KoSAA) in an effort to help replace the ageing fleet.

The boat which has replaced the old leaking boat on Loch Cracail Mor has come in time for the better weather and will allow the local community in the Kyle of Sutherland area to continue participating in loch fishing.

SSEN has been building the new Loch Buidhe substation, near Bonar Bridge since 2014. The site was recently recognised as “exceptional” by Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) Assessors as a result of several initiatives deployed by the project team. These have included the installation of electrical vehicle charging points, gritting the local public road, providing a staff library and hosting nature walks with the local community.

SSEN Project Manager, Russell Stewart, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Kyle of Sutherland Angling Association by providing a new boat and hope that this will help retain the tourism and visitors who come to Loch Cracail Mor, located to the south west of Loch Buidhe substation, to go loch fishing.

“As a responsible developer, we try to work actively with local communities to show care for the environment where we are working and to minimise disruption and support long term economic benefits.”

KoSAA has approximately 100 members, ranging from under 18’s through to those of retired age. The Association provides affordable salmon and sea trout fishing on the Kyle of Sutherland and wild brown trout fishing on the surrounding hill lochs for local and visiting anglers.

KoSAA Secretary, Richard Ormston, said: “We were delighted to receive funding from the SSEN project team at Loch Buidhe Substation which has enabled us to purchase a Highlander Club 15 fishing boat. This has replaced the old leaking boat on Loch Cracail Mor and will allow KoSAA members and visitors to enjoy fishing this special loch for many years to come. The new boat has already been used by members. We are very grateful for this generous sponsorship.”