The Hydro Boys

About the Book: 

This work is an account of the pioneering days of hydro-electricity in Scotland. It shows how each hydro project brought its own set of technical challenges, underlining the remarkable engineering achievements involved in bringing hydro-electric power to the wild glens of the Scottish Highlands. It concludes by looking at the future of hydro-electric power worldwide.

Is hydro-electric power the sustainable technology of choice in a new century already riven with ecological angst?

Reviews: 

Mixing human interest, political details and some of the more technical aspects...the book charts the factual development while telling the personal story... THE PRESS AND JOURNAL

Nobody should forget the human sacrifice made by those who built the dams all those years ago. The politicians, engineers and navvies of the era bequeathed to us the major source of renewable energy down to the present day. Their legacy will continue to serve us far into the 21st century. - BRIAN WILSON MP, Energy Minister

About the Author:

EMMA WOOD grew up in Yorkshire, read History at Cambridge and moved to Culrain, Sutherland in 1987. She worked as an English tutor for secondary school pupils, and, as a member of the Worker’s Educational Association, organised events and gave speeches throughout the Highlands on historical topics such as hydroelectricity. For five years she taught creative writing tutor at Moniack Mhor writers’ centre, and was involved in charity work for organisations such as the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Emma Wood died in 2016.