About 300 people were invited to the opening of the Talla Burn power station, marking the completion of the hydro-generation project. Photos by Stephen Jaquiery. : 'Bittersweet' day as power station opens

The Talla Burn power station was officially opened yesterday and has been named after the project engineer, Paul Wilson, who was drowned this year while taking water samples near the station. : 'Bittersweet' day as power station opens

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English (left) pays tribute to the two families behind the scheme, watched by Talla Burn directors Jeff Wilson (centre), of Roxburgh, and Alan Hore, of Beaumont. : 'Bittersweet' day as power station opens

After the official opening, visitors took the chance to have a look through the power station. : 'Bittersweet' day as power station opens

The layout of the scheme closely follows that of a mining diversion and water race that was used to sluice the hillside. The old scheme was built about 1889 and still used in the 1920s and 1930s. : 'Bittersweet' day as power station opens