Sewage scheme helps protect Spey

The River Spey's water quality will be improved

Scottish Water has said the new waste water works at Newtonmore will help to protect the River Spey from pollution.

The £3.8m project began in 2007 and is expected to provide extra capacity for development in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

The treatment plant is part of Scottish Water's £200m programme of improvements for the Highlands.

A Scottish water spokesman said:"The new works will help the local community to grow and thrive."

The project, which got under way at the end of 2007, is part of Scottish Water's 2010 vision for the Highlands. The improvements include a £30m investment in Badenoch and Strathspey.

I congratulate all those involved for their hard work which will be greatly appreciated by the local community Fergus Ewing Highland MSP

Colin Munns, Scottish Water's planner for Badenoch and Strathspey, said: "This is a great example of how Scottish Water's vision for the Highlands is delivering real benefits for local communities.

"The new treatment works ensures good quality water in the famous River Spey. There's also a need for new housing in the national park and we have ensured the new works has the capacity to help the community grow."

Construction of the plant involved sinking large concrete tanks into the ground to reduce their visual impact and the control building has been clad in timber to match the nearby buildings of the Highland Folk Museum.

Visiting the works, Highland MSP Fergus Ewing said: "I am particularly pleased that Scottish Water have now completed this work and recognise that the consultation with the community has been good. I would congratulate all of those involved for their hard work, which will be greatly appreciated by the local residents."