A man was killed yesterday while working on the construction of one of Scotland’s largest hydro-electric schemes.
Work was halted at the Glendoe dam project at Fort Augustus as a mark of respect after the 46-year-old’s death.
Last night an investigation was going on into the circumstances that led to the accident, which was reported to the emergency services just before 8.20am.
It is understood that the man who died was employed by Hochtief, the main contractor on the site, which is run by Scottish and Southern Energy.
Yesterday workers were sent home for the day while Northern Constabulary officers and officials from the Health and Safety Executive examined the scene.
Representatives from Hochtief’s headquarters in Swindon also travelled to the site.
A spokeswoman for SSE said both the company and Hochtief were “cooperating fully” with the investigation.
Police refused to name the victim until next of kin have been informed.
A spokesman said a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
Hochtief’s Swindon-based business development manager Tony Lally said details about the accident were still sketchy.
He added: “We are working with the authorities to establish what the situation is. When something like this happens, it needs to be looked into very quickly.”
Hundreds of people have been employed at the construction site since work began on the scheme – the largest civil engineering project in Scotland – in February 2006.
Yesterday’s death is understood to be the first major accident at Glendoe.
Local councillor Margaret Davidson said: “Hydro schemes like this used to be very, very dangerous in the past but Glendoe has been a very well-organised camp. They have done very well up until now. It’s a great shame for the man’s family.”