To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cruachan Power Station, as seen in the first season of Andor, renewable energy company Drax has awarded £60,000 to support two transformative projects in Argyll, near to the location of the pumped hydro storage station.
Oban Mountain Rescue has received £30,000 towards the replacement of its ageing command vehicle, a vital piece of equipment that enables the team to coordinate rescues across some of Scotland’s most remote and challenging terrain. Their current vehicle, now 16 years old, is no longer reliable. The new van, to be professionally converted to mountain rescue specifications, will include advanced communications equipment and serve as a mobile operations base capable of supporting complex missions involving helicopters, drones, and rescue dogs.
Ross Lilley, Vehicle Fund Raising Manager Oban Mountain Rescue said: “This support from the Drax Foundation is an incredible step forward for us. It brings us significantly closer to our goal of replacing our command vehicle, which is essential for maintaining our capability to save lives in some of the most remote areas of Argyll. As a volunteer-led service, we rely entirely on donations, and this grant will help ensure our team remains rescue ready.”
Expected to be operational by the end of 2025, the vehicle will dramatically enhance the team’s response capabilities, especially in the hills near Cruachan Reservoir—one of the team’s most frequent call-out areas. Entirely volunteer-led and dependent on public donations, Oban Mountain Rescue responds to dozens of emergencies each year, often in life-threatening conditions. Its 50+ volunteers, 30% of whom are women, make it one of the most gender-balanced and community-engaged rescue teams in the country.
Meanwhile, St Conan’s Kirk, one of Scotland’s most architecturally distinctive churches, has also been awarded £30,000 to support urgent conservation work and energy efficiency upgrades. Located on the banks of Loch Awe, near Cruachan, the Kirk is entirely volunteer-run and serves as a hub for education, heritage, and community events.
The funding will enable heating and insulation improvements in the Crypt and Bruce Chapel Basement, and the installation of a small solar PV system to provide renewable energy for the building. These upgrades will ensure the Kirk can continue to welcome visitors year-round while reducing its environmental impact.
Graham Swanson, spokesperson for St Conan’s Kirk, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Drax Foundation for this funding. Their continued support has helped us deliver vital community programmes, improve our facilities, and welcome more people through our doors. This funding will allow us to further our mission of preserving the Kirk’s heritage while offering a vibrant and inclusive space for all.”
The project will also see the Crypt transformed into a children’s exhibition and performance space, while the Bruce Chapel Basement will become a dedicated education room for local schools and community groups.
Sarah Cameron, Drax’s Community and Education Manager in Scotland, said: “Both Oban Mountain Rescue and St Conan’s Kirk are incredible examples of what dedicated volunteers can achieve. Whether saving lives or enriching them through culture and heritage, they embody the resilience and spirit of this region. We’re proud to mark Cruachan’s 60th anniversary by supporting the communities that surround it.”
Cruachan Power Station was opened by Queen Elizabeth II back in 1965, as one of the first reversible pumped storage hydro systems in the world. Today the power station has a generation capacity of 440MW, helping to keep the lights on in homes across the UK.
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