The new scheme will benefit the community by eventually generating as much as £100,000 per year when it is at its peak.

It will be built on the An t-Sreang river, south of Arrochar.

Talks have been ongoing for more than two years between Luss Estates and the community development trusts about securing a hydro scheme, after Luss Estates scouted several viable sites where such a project could work.

In January 2015, the application was submitted to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park, after feasibility studies were carried out. The trust have established a date to be connected to the grid, costing £81,000 to be connected in March 2017.

Money made from the scheme will be put back into Arrochar and Tarbet, and Luss and Arden, with the two community development trusts collaborating on the project.

The Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust was established to co-ordinate the development of the Three Villages hall in the area.

After planning permission was granted, Duncan MacLachlan chairman of the Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust, spoke to the Advertiser about the process and where they go from here.

He said: “It’s a modest scheme, we are wanting one that is achievable. It’s is based on achievable budgets.

“Hydro schemes do not generate 100 per cent of the time. We’ve gone for 37 per cent, which is what we think is reasonable.

“An t-Sreang river system was the former mains water supply source for Arrochar prior to a system upgrade that was needed to service increased local demand and capacity for other areas, at Garelochhead and Faslane.

“The water source was therefore considered stable and reliable in an area well known for higher than average rainfall levels.” The hydro scheme will be placed mid-way up the hill, with a river being diverted to help contribute to the power source.

It is thought the hydro scheme will cost in the region of £900,000 which will be repaid within the initial 10 to 15 years of the scheme.

It is expected there will be a highly profitable six or eight years once the loan is paid off, which could generate as much as £100,000 for the community each year.

A modest £10,000 would be generated after the high yield years, with hopes the scheme would continue to benefit the scheme for many years to come.

Mr MacLachlan said: “The idea is that the money would be used for community projects. There are always new ideas and things coming forward. We have been very conscious of costs, as they will need to be repaid.” He said there were plans to have community shares in the scheme, which would help reduce the amount of interest paying back a loan.