An energy giant is hoping to make a splash with £4million plans to build a visitor centre at one of its major hydro-electric schemes.
The new Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) attraction would overlook the picturesque Pitlochry Dam at the end of the Tummel valley in Perthshire.
Visitors would be able to learn about the pioneering engineers who brought hydro power to Scotland more than 70 years ago, and the role it plays in today’s energy industry.
The free-to-visit centre would also showcase the remarkable story of how salmon return to Perthshire waters every year to spawn, and detail the heritage of SSE from its origins as the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.
The attraction, which is scheduled to open by Autumn 2016, will bring more than a dozen full and part-time jobs to the area, as well as creating employment during construction.
Lord Smith, the outgoing chairman of SSE, said: “SSE’s history is Scotland’s history.
“The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board is so much more than the forefather of one of Scotland’s biggest companies.
“Hydro-electricity improved the lives of ordinary people living in the north of Scotland and we have a responsibility to preserve and promote the remarkable stories from that time.
“Over the years SSE has been at the forefront of many energy firsts and it will strive to be good stewards of these assets for years to come.
“I believe the best way to share these stories, both old and new, is to bring them together under one roof and being a Perthshire company we are proud to be announcing this investment in Pitlochry.”
The Pitlochry Dam is already a major tourist destination for the area, and attracts about 500,000 visitors every year.
But SSE hopes the new centre will lure even more people to the area.
Scottish Government Business Minister Fergus Ewing said: “SSE has chosen a fantastic location for this centre which will provide a boost for both businesses and tourism in the Perthshire area.
“Not only will the construction period create jobs but once open the visitor centre will be another attraction for tourists in the area.”
The centre would also include a cafe and shop, and schools would have access to educational areas.
