Scottish Water have invested £4.6 million to upgrade the water network in Oban, a scheme that aims to be completed by the end of February.

Nearly one and a half miles of new pipes will have been laid and a delicate operation to tunnel beneath an important railway line carried out successfully during the complex project.

Once complete, the new re-routed water main will help reduce the risk of flooding in the Soroba area, which has experienced significant bursts, causing flooding to customer properties for a number of years.

Georgina Reid, Scottish Water's corporate affairs regional manager said: "This has been a challenging project from the start but the team on the ground has worked incredibly hard to deliver it.

"A huge amount of effort has gone into keeping customers informed at every stage of the work, with our alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance and their contractors building and maintaining positive relationships with everyone who has been affected.

"The local community, including Oban High School and St Columba's and Rockfield primary schools, has been magnificent in their patience and understanding, and we offer our sincere thanks for their support for our delivery team."

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The first phase of the programme saw pipework replaced between Colonsay Terrace and the junction of McCaig Road and the A816 in November 2020.

An operation to tunnel underneath the railway line from the edge of Oban High School all weather pitches to the car park at Shuna Terrace – which involved round-the-clock drilling – was then carried out with no impact on the railway line and careful communication with customers.

The final phase involves the installation of an additional 500 metres of new pipes, right up to the Tullich water treatment works.

The project is being delivered on behalf of Scottish Water by Caledonia Water Alliance. CWA site manager Mark Batten said: "From the very start of the project we knew we had to keep everyone affected by the work informed and involved and we have worked closely with the community to achieve that.

"I am particularly proud of the strong relationship we have built up with Oban High School, engaging with pupils and sharing the project information with the engineering department.

"Pupils were even able to come on site, to see the tunnelling process for themselves and to get an idea of the complexities and potential difficulties a project of this scale can involve – from Health & Safety procedures to engineering technicalities.

"I would like to thank Oban High School and the wider community for their co-operation and understanding throughout."

Georgina Reid added: "Scottish Water is committed to meeting its obligation to deliver increasing operational effectiveness with a programme of significant investments to replace ageing assets and offset the impact of climate change.

"Projects like this will ensure customers continue to enjoy clear, fresh drinking water for many years to come."