The achievements of the ‘tunnel tigers’ – the men who set a world record in tunnel digging for a new Scottish hydro power project 60 years ago – have been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.
Murdo Fraser, MSP (who is convenor of the Energy Committee in Holyrood) put down the motion in honour of the 42 men who tunnelled through 557-ft of rock – equivalent to the height of Blackpool Tower – in seven days.
Three crews of 14 men worked round the clock from 20-27 October, 1955 to complete the St Fillans section of the Breadalbane hydro scheme in Perthshire.
Each received a £20 bonus (£2,000 in today’s money) in recognition of their remarkable achievement. However, conditions were often dangerous and difficult, resulting in some losing their lives and others suffering life-changing injuries.
As testament to the toil of the Tunnel Tigers, the company which now owns the hydro scheme, plans to design and install a commemorative plaque at the tunnel entrance.
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