SSE has announced plans to develop a new £4 million visitor centre overlooking its Pitlochry Dam in Perthshire.

The facility will utilise modern technology to showcase the role played by the engineers who brought hydro power to Scotland over 70 years ago.

The new visitor centre will open in Autumn 2016 and will house a 60 seat café, retail area and a multi-space area for educational use.


Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "SSE has chosen a fantastic location for this centre which will provide a boost for both business and tourism in the Perthshire area. Not only will the construction period create jobs but once open the visitor centre will be another major attraction for tourists in the area."

Councillor John Kellas said: "I welcome the news of this investment by SSE in a state of the art visitor centre at Pitlochry Dam. The tourism industry is incredibly important to our economy, supporting local jobs and bringing many visitors to Perth and Kinross.

"SSE’s visitor centre is sure to be a fantastic attraction to locals and visitors alike; drawing them to what is already an impressive and popular site."

(LM)