Three villages in a corner of North Uist could be connected to the mains water supply for the first time thanks to a new project.
A proposal for planning consent has now been submitted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for a four mile plus pipeline to serve the villages of Lochportain, Cheesebay and Hobeg, over 30 properties in all.
The works are to be overseen by the Scottish Government’s agricultural department as they own the land under an historic agreement going back to the years after the First World War when the government bought a number of farm estates in the islands to convert them into crofts for families.
The three villages in question, situated on a peninsula in the north-east of the island, are at the moment served by a private water supply from a nearby loch, but it is now hoped this project will connect them to the main Scottish Water system.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government would not be drawn on costs or timescale for completion at this stage.
“We are currently seeking planning permission for a water pipeline to connect three townships currently served by a private water supply and remote from the public water supply,” he said. “Further information on the proposal will be available if and when it moves forward.”
Councillors will consider the matter in the coming weeks.