03/09/2026
This takes us to Kinlochleven in the Scottish Highlands, where TIS carried out major protective coating works to historic hydro-electric pipelines on the mountainside.
Built between 1905 and 1909, Kinlochleven was Britain’s first major hydro-electric project. Six pipelines carry water from the Blackwater Dam, around 1,000 feet above sea level, down to Kinlochleven Power Station.
With the existing protective coatings more than 25 years old and at the end of their service life, TIS was appointed as Principal Contractor to undertake re-preservation works.
Our scope included:
• More than 1,100m² of protective coatings
• Ground, vegetation and rock clearance
• Grit blasting and pressure washing
• Surface preparation and painting
• Rope access
• Steelwork repairs
The location brought its own challenges — steep inclines, restricted access and a public access road regularly used by mountain walkers.
Equipment and methods were therefore carefully selected for the environment, including the use of chemically inert abrasives, while rope access enabled our teams to safely undertake works on the steepest sections.
The initial contract covered the upper sections of the pipelines, with additional areas subsequently awarded during the project.
Every section was completed to programme, including the additional works, with no lost-time incidents, a high standard of workmanship and a highly satisfied client.
A project that demonstrates exactly what integrated access, coatings and project management can achieve — even in one of the more demanding locations we’ve worked.
