Pitlochry Hydroelectric dam and fish ladder

Forest at the River Side, Highland Perthshire, Loch Faskally, Scotland
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Where the River Tummel was dammed, it created Loch Faskally. Meant as the feeder loch and reservoir for the dam, it has also become a wildlife habitat and fishing ground.

Two miles long and varying between 50 and 800 metres wide, it has woods on either side although steep slopes on either side make approaching it difficult. On the bottom of the loch are old buildings, flooded when the river was dammed. Fishing is allowed, usually from boats which are available for hire, and trout and pike are regularly caught as well as salmon. A range of wildlife also lives around the loch, and those who are lucky may glimpse an osprey as well as herons and kingfishers in the area.

More about Fishing at Pitlochry

As well as the famous Dam, Pitlochry has a lot more to offer tourists. Simon Haughtone's article, kindly distributed through articlesbase, describes some of the other attractions, and the area's history.

Pitlochry Vacations: What to Do When You Stay in Pitlochry
Author: Simon Haughtone

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Vacations to Pitlochry are becoming increasingly popular not only with those who live in the UK but from around the world as well. Certainly as Pitlochry vacations go, there is plenty for one to do and see whilst spending time in an area renowned for its stunning scenery.

The town of Pitlochry itself retains much of its old Victorian charm and is situated in the Perthshire Highlands. In fact, this town has been a very popular vacation spot for more than 100 years now and this is all down to the fact that Queen Victoria chose to spend time here in 1844.

Although it was a popular location with visitors from around the UK after the visit of Queen Victoria, the town prior to this was well known. During the 18th Century, it was here that flax was being grown and the town was producing high quality linen in their mills. In fact right through the 1700 and 1800, this town was a hive of activity.

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Along with the linen weaving, the city was renowned for its whisky that was being distilled at the Blair Atholl Whisky Distillery. Then in 1835, the first water powered wool mills were opened by the MacNaughton family and here raw wool was made into Tweed.

Another thing for which the town of Pitlochry is famous for is its highland games and it was here in 1852 the first modern version of these took place. Today these games are still played and each year they are the last ones to be held in Scotland. The actual site where the games take place is located only a short distant from the main street in Pitlochry and in 2008 they will take place on the 13th September.

Along with all the traditional kinds of games, you would expect at such an event other ones have been included as well. Today they now include tug of war competitions as well as highland dancing and pipe band competitions also. So you are likely to find something to watch and enjoy through the days events.

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As well as arranging, your trip to Pitlochry in order to take in the highland games there is plenty more for one to do and see whilst there. Along with these games, there are other festivals that one can enjoy such as the Autumn Festival or the Winter Words Festival.

So you do not have to restrict your Pitlochry vacations solely to summer months when the weather is good. As long as you bring some warm clothing and something to protect you from the rain then you can visit this part of Scotland at any time of the year. In fact, you may find a much more warm welcome when you visit the area during the cold dark winter months even more than you would expect to find in the summer.

There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Pitlochry, so you are sure to be able to find somewhere that fits your budget. Be sure to book ahead if you are staying at a popular time and you'll be sure to enjoy a warm Scottish welcome.



About the Author: Make sure to choose your Pitlochry hotel from this extensive list of Pitlochry accommodation.

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