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Friday 23 Feb 2007

PHOTOCALL: BLAIR ATHOLL TAP WATER COMES ON STREAM

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Date: Monday 26 February 2007 Time: 10.30am Venue: Atholl Arms Hotel, Blair Atholl Who: John Swinney MSP, Network Rail director Ron McAulay and Scottish Water's Margaret Bryce complete the connection of Blair Atholl to Scottish Water Contact: Network Rail Scotland on 0141 555 4109 Photographers and journalists are invited to attend the completion of the connection of Blair Atholl and Bridge of Tilt's water supply to Scottish Water. Network Rail is funding the £1.2 million project for Scottish Water to connect the villages to the public water mains. For almost a century, more than 230 households, businesses and schools in Blair Atholl and Bridge of Tilt were supplied with water from a private supply maintained by the railway. This is an historic anomaly, dating back to an era when steam trains stopped at Blair Atholl for water. Network Rail director Ron McAulay said: "Just as Network Rail is best placed to run Britain's railway, so Scottish Water is best placed to supply Blair Atholl and Bridge of Tilt with their water. We spent over a million pounds on this project so that both communities can enjoy a 21st century water supply." Margaret Bryce of Scottish Water community relations said: "Network Rail funded the project, which involved teams from Scottish Water Contracting, Kemac and Biwater. There was potential for disruption given all the digging in the streets and plumbing inside people's homes but everyone was sensitive when dealing with our new customers and we've received a lot of positive feedback. We're delighted to have made these improvements." John Swinney, MSP for North Tayside, said: "I am delighted to see that this historical anomaly is finally being resolved, with the residents of Bridge of Tilt and Blair Atholl connected to the mains water supply. "I have been pressing Scottish Water, Network Rail and its predecessor - Railtrack, for a number of years on behalf of the residents of the area to be connected to the mains. "This will ensure that the occasional previous problems of poor supply and water purity are fully resolved. "I congratulate all those who have worked hard on this issue to ensure a satisfactory outcome."