The Salmon Ladder and Dam

Listed as one of the most iconic local attractions in Pitlochry, The Salmon Ladder and Dam is a must visit while in the area. The River Tummell is home to one of Scotland’s most iconic species, the Atlantic Salmon. The town is famous for its hydro-electric dam and salmon ladder. The ladder was specifically constructed to enable salmon to bypass the dam and continue their journey upstream to their spawning grounds. The ladder is 310 metres long and consists of 34 chambers linked together with tunnels the salmon can swim through. There are two viewing windows side by side allowing visitors to observe the salmon using the ladder.

The best time of year to catch salmon is late April to July and again in September into October. Around 5000 salmon use the ladder each year. The dam is an impressive structure, and the visitor experience is improved by the new visitor centre.

The dam visitor centre

Brand new in January 2017, the dam visitor centre is open 7 days a week April – October and open 5 days during the Winter. Visitors can gain an insight on how electricity is created, salmon swimming fishing up the ladder and a film of how the dam was built. Located here is a café and shop which enables visitors to sit by the balcony window with views over the dam.