Scottish Water is to invest £5.7m to improve the water infrastructure on the island of Mull.

When completed, the system will provide clearer, fresher drinking water to residents in the Craignure and Tobermory areas.

The first stage of the projectwill involve the installation of more than 11 miles of six-inch diameter water main from Salen to Craignure. Customers who currently receive their water from the Craignure Water Treatment Works (WTW) will have their supply changed to Tobermory WTW under the programme of work. Tobermory WTW is to be upgraded as part of the investment.

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Currently, the Tobermory water supply zone ends at Salen, but the extended water mains will go to a new Craignure Service Reservoir to be built near the existing WTW. This will mean the WTW will be able to treat more water and ultimately improve the security of supply. It will also allow for future development in the Tobermoray and Craignure areas. A new storage tank at Tobermory will further increase local storage.

Paul Morley, Scottish Water's Water Operations Team Manager, said: "This is one of the most important projects Scottish Water has embarked on in Argyll and Bute and we know that customers and businesses on Mull will welcome the long term benefits of these major improvements to our infrastructure.

"The project follows a strategic review by Scottish Water of options to tackle water supply and growth issues on the island and we are delighted to be starting this important work."

The project, which is being carried out by contractors Expanded Ltd, which is part of Laing O'Rourke, will take approximately 18 months to complete.

(JP/IT)