A truly enchanting offering

Situated on the banks of the River Tummel and free to enter, Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre hosts an exhibition outlining the unique history of hydro electricity that showcases the social, environmental and engineering impacts of bringing power to the Highlands.

SSE head of heritage Gillian O’reilly said: “We’ve had great feedback over the last few months and can’t believe we’ve had over 100,000 visitors through our doors since we opened at the end of January this year.

“We are all looking forward to the Enchanted Forest event starting at the end of this month and to help celebrate this, we are offering a discount in our café to Enchanted Forest ticket holders.”

Brand new for this year, SSE’S Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre showcases the rich history of hydro electricity in the north of Scotland and how it transformed lives.

On display are a number of fascinating artefacts that show how generations of homes have been transformed by electrical appliances.

Visitors will meet the visionaries, such as Tom Johnston, who saw the untapped potential of hydro power in Scotland as well as hear the stories of the Hydro Boys and Tunnel Tigers who lived – and sadly in some cases died – building the schemes.

Pitlochry’s “fish ladder” was integral to the design for the hydro electricity scheme in the early 1950s.

Thousands visit the dam to see the salmon swim to their breeding grounds up-river and now everyone can learn the secrets of that incredible journey.

Thanks to the viewing balcony, visitors can soak up the glory of the River Tummel as it tumbles past the fullyworking Pitlochry Hydro Station, and even look out for a leaping salmon on its way upriver.

Inside the café there’s free wifi and intriguing electricity exhibits to marvel at; as well as a full range of locally sourced food and drink to savour, making the café the perfect Perthshire pit-stop.

The visitor centre has free parking and is open seven days a week until 5.30pm, with last entry at 5.

The 15% discount applies to food and drink on the café menu, valid on the ticket date only.

Dam good day out in Perthshire: Pitlochry’s big attraction is steeped in history.