Pitlochry hydro

[AGT]

https://www.pitlochrydam.com/

Nice visitor centre/ coffee shop /gift shop, didn’t do the tour though worth a visit if you are in the area

[Fintray]

It's been many years since I visited but worth seeing.
I like the bit from the "Power from the Glens" exhibition:
"In the 1940s and 1950s, ambitious vision and back-breaking work resulted in massive hydro schemes being built in the Highlands. Following the passage of the Hydro Electric Development (Scotland) Act in 1943, affordable electricity transformed the way people lived and worked.

Lives were lost as world records fell, but within a decade, the Hydro Boys and Tunnel Tigers brought a reliable source of power to three-quarters of Scotland that would transform lives forever. A total of 54 power stations, 78 dams and 300km of tunnels were built during this intensive period of engineering across the Highlands."

Sounds like most were built in less time than it takes some projects to get through planning now!

[AE-NMidlands]

Hydro Electric Development (Scotland) Act in 1943

I'm impressed that even half-way through the war they could be thinking that far ahead. Maybe they were afraid it would drag on a decade and they knew they needed more power for munitions manufacturing etc.

[AGT]

Yes there were lots of books on sale from SSE/ Hydro history stand point

https://www.sseheritage.com/our-story/



I’ve read about this man and his efforts

https://www.pitlochrydam.com/news/2023/ ... evolution/

[Adokforme]

Yes there were lots of books on sale from SSE/ Hydro history stand point

https://www.sseheritage.com/our-story/



I’ve read about this man and his efforts

https://www.pitlochrydam.com/news/2023/ ... evolution/

Thanks for posting this @AGT. I only took interest in Pitlochry when coming across it yesterday in searching for other renewable energy sites to visit while joining in the celebratary opening of Kirk Hill. I'd been seeking the location of the soon to be started Loch na Cathrack Hydro Scheme, formerly known as Red John when Pitlochry Dam appeared at the other end of Lochness. Naturally we shall spend sometime there, I'll also purchase the book on Edward MacColl, what a visionary he must have been not to mention having the endeavour and resiliance to overcome all the objectors of the time. A bit like the Renewable Energy industry facing the FF brigade and shortsighted Nimbyism today.
The new government have set themselves a huge task in their plans for expansion of renewable energy generation & Grid which would be great if they succeed.

[AGT]

Glad the info was useful, yes he did seem a visionary.

I liked reading that when they wanted the war government to release former POW building for housing for the diggers/miners, the war office said no, so the guy in charge just told them to get them anyway!

Can’t imagine anything like that can get done now with the red tape, H&S etc etc

[Adokforme]

Glad the info was useful, yes he did seem a visionary.

I liked reading that when they wanted the war government to release former POW building for housing for the diggers/miners, the war office said no, so the guy in charge just told them to get them anyway!

Can’t imagine anything like that can get done now with the red tape, H&S etc etc

Indeed so, have to agree there. Hopefully it shouldnt be anything like necessary during construction of Loch na Cathrach due for completion in 2030. Perhaps another date in the calendar for a return visit following that for the opening of Whitelaw Brae.

[Adokforme]

Yes there were lots of books on sale from SSE/ Hydro history stand point

https://www.sseheritage.com/our-story/



I’ve read about this man and his efforts

https://www.pitlochrydam.com/news/2023/ ... evolution/

Thanks for posting @AGT what a genuinely talented man of many fields and virtues he was in overseeing the creation of the National Grid not to mention having to overcome parochial objectors and industry predjudice from others with vested interests. Not unlike the present day perhaps.
I am beginning to wonder if the recent directional change with renewable energy, storage and grid improvements could in anyway be attributed to this mans biography.
I've enjoyed every page and hoping for a similar outcome. Thank you so much.