ScottishPower has installed new rapid charging stations in Gairloch – marking the company’s most northerly chargers and giving Scotland’s famous North Coast 500 route a significant EV infrastructure boost just before Christmas.
The charging devices went live in the main car park beside the town’s Co-op supermarket. They’ll serve both local residents and the thousands of drivers who tackle the NC500 each year.
Strategic Location for Tourism
The Gairloch installation connects to ScottishPower’s Electric Tourist Trail, which covers popular destinations including Skye, Mull, and Fort William.
Andrew Ward, CEO of ScottishPower’s customer business, emphasized the community focus of the project.
“Bringing EV charging to Gairloch is about more than infrastructure – it’s about connecting communities and inspiring the next generation,” Ward said.
The company’s offering a discounted rate of 39p per kWh through March 2026. Drivers can pay using multiple methods – the ScottishPower Recharge App, contactless payment, RFID cards, or third-party services like All Star, Electroverse, and Zap-Pay.
Community Involvement
ScottishPower partnered with Gairloch Primary School for the launch, inviting students to name the new chargers. The winning names will be announced when the stations officially go live later this month.
The initiative aims to get young people thinking about sustainable transport and Scotland’s shift toward net zero emissions.
Ward added that the project represents ScottishPower’s commitment to expanding EV infrastructure across the UK, “ensuring that even the most remote communities are part of the journey toward a greener future.”
Scotland’s public charging network has grown rapidly over the past year. Government figures show more than 7,300 public charging devices now operate across the country – a 22.5% increase from last year.
That growth reflects a UK-wide expansion that’s adding a new charger every 33 minutes.
The Gairloch chargers provide crucial infrastructure for one of Scotland’s most popular driving routes, which attracts drivers from across the UK and beyond who want to experience the Highlands’ coastal scenery.
