Hydro power plans make progress

The project could produce "small scale" power for the area

A report has been published into the possibility of a hydro electric power scheme in the Scottish Borders.

The Scottish Sustainable Energy Foundation has looked at the plan for the Borthwick Valley, west of Hawick.

It studied costs, output and revenue potential from restoring a reservoir at the Rough Hope burn near Craik.

The SSEF said it believed that such "small scale" schemes could be of benefit right across the south of Scotland.

It is also hoped the project might help alleviate flooding problems in Hawick.

SSEF chief executive Euan Robson said: "People think that hydro power equals the Highlands.

"Whilst no one is talking about massive great reservoirs, SSEF believes that small scale schemes such as this could be important for the Borders and more widely the south of Scotland, fitting well into the landscape."

The next stage will be for talks to be held with Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.