Coire Glas Pumped Hydro Scheme

As part of exploratory works for SSE Renewables’ pioneering Coire Glas hydro scheme, Headland Archaeology excavated a post-medieval sheepfold near Spean Bridge. Though a common feature in the Highland landscape, such structures are seldom investigated in detail. The excavation revealed evidence of adaptation over time and offered valuable insights into crofting practices and rural life. This work supports a nationally significant renewable energy project while preserving the historic record of the glen.

SSE Renewables is constructing the first large-scale pumped hydro storage scheme to be developed in the UK in more than 40 years. Once complete, it will have a potential capacity of up to 15,000MW, with energy storage of around 45GWh, doubling the country’s current electricity storage capacity. This represents a vital step towards securing energy from homegrown renewable sources.

The site was discovered during forestry clearance associated with the exploratory works phase of the project. Located in an area scheduled for extensive groundworks, the structure was subject to full excavation to allow preservation by record. The sheepfold measured 13m by 15m and was divided into three distinct spaces: a larger central area, likely unroofed, and two smaller adjacent compartments that may have offered covered shelter for lambs or sick animals.

Evidence of structural modification over time was also observed. One of the smaller compartments had its outer wall removed and was converted into a coal store, which connected with an early 20th-century mapped road leading to the lochside, indicating that fuel was probably delivered by boat.

Excavation of sheepfold structures are rare, despite their widespread presence across the Highlands. They are a key site type in understanding the crofting landscape, and opportunities to record them in such detail are limited.