Hollow Mountain wins five-star rating

VisitScotland has named Drax’s Hollow Mountain visitor centre at the Cruachan pumped storage hydro power station one of its top visitor attractions, citing the outstanding experience and customer service.

VisitScotland gave the centre, which is located at the power station on the banks of Loch Awe, the highest scores for hospitality and friendliness – elevating the centre to the top two per cent of its quality assurance scheme for the first time.

Sarah Cameron, Cruachan Visitor Centre manager, pictured, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be recognised among the best of the best in Scotland. Our dedicated team always go the extra mile to make sure the experience people have here is as engaging and educational as possible.

‘We have around 50,000 visitors a year and they’re often awestruck by how this power station has been built inside a mountain. The stunning scenery and wildlife – including the pine martens, which people love to watch – makes it a very special place to visit.’

Cruachan power station was built in the 1960s deep inside the hollowed-out Ben Cruachan mountain. More than 1,000 workers, known as the Tunnel Tigers, drilled and blasted through the rock to create the cavernous power station. Visitors can take guided tours inside the subterranean world where they can see the machine hall and learn about its history and the feat of engineering required to build it.

Drax organises free guided tours at the Hollow Mountain for schools and higher education institutions during term time as part of its commitment to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and careers.