The Salmon Ladder & Dam

The Salmon Ladder & Dam is one of the most popular attractions in Pitlochry town and located less than 5 minutes drive and just 15 minutes walk from our hotel in Pitlochry.

Pitlochry Dam was constructed between 1947 and 1951 and what local people felt at the time would destroy the beautiful tourist town did quite the opposite and resulting in Pitlochry being known across Scotland and Europe for its Dam and Fish Ladder.

The ladder was specially constructed to enable salmon to by-pass the dam and make their way upstream to Loch Faskally above. The ladder is approx 310 metres in length and has 34 pools, 3 of which are resting pools. There are two viewing windows, side by side looking into 2 pools; these allow visitors to observe the salmon using the ladder, an experience that is loved but all ages.

Winter time is a great time to witness the water going over Loch Faskally or Pitlochry Dam wall after excessive rain or when the now melts.

Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre is the perfect spot to grab a sovenior gift or a cup of coffee and sit on the balcony and enjoy the wonderful views. The visitor centre also boasts an exhibition centre with interactive models on how electricity is created, salmon swimming up the fish ladder, to a film of how the dams were built.

There is an abundance of wonderful attractions to visit and see in the Pitlochry area with the majority right on out doorstep here at Scotlands Spa Hotel in Pitlochry town. When looking for a hotel in Pitlochry town we are the perfect choice and offer a great value offers, a friendly welcome, bright guestrooms, first class food and service and leisure and spa facilities.