Pitlochry

Limekiln in Pitlochry

An interesting garden feature in the garden of a private house in Tom-na-moan Road is an old Limekiln. Probably dating from the 19th century when it was discovered that using lime on the acid Highland agricultural land increased the yield by as much as three fold. As a result of this discovery, Limekilns sprang up all over the Highlands, as local outcrops of lime were quarried and heated with coal and then slaked with water to convert the lime into a powder for application to the land.

The rocks of lime and coal were poured in at the top in the ratio 5 parts lime to one of coal. The burnt lime was drawn from the flues at the bottom of the kiln with long handled shovels and put on carts for transport back to the fields.

Please note this is a private garden and no access is possible.

Pitlochry Wildlife Garden

Since the Wildlife Garden was created in 1999, it has matured into a colourful and interesting haven for plants and wildlife. From the first flowering of the snowdrops and wild daffodils in spring until well after the early frosts of October and November, there is always something to see.
Observe the butterflies and insects attracted to the Buddleia bushes and lupines’ in Butterfly border or some of the many birds who regularly feast on the seeds on the bird table. (Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Great Tits and Siskins to name a few). Visitors even include a pair of Mallards who are habitually seen devouring the pond weed in the pond.

Black Spout Waterfall and Woodland

The Black Spout is an impressive waterfall, some sixty metres high on the Edradour Burn, which has a specially constructed viewing platform from which great views can be enjoyed. It is situated within Black Spout Wood where a specially constructed circular path through the ageing oak woodland offers the chance to see wildlife such as the roe deer, greater spotted woodpecker and red squirrel in their natural habitat The woodlands flank the Atholl Palace Hotel grounds where visitors are invited to wander through the grounds and marvel at the noble fir, Western red cedar, poplar Douglas fir and coast redwood.

There is a large car park and picnic area is located on the outskirts of the woodland.

Picture copyright Karen Vernon and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence

Faskally Wood Picnic Spot.

A wonderful picnic spot, ideal for families with children and the disabled, Faskally Wood lies on the shore of Loch Faskally and is part of the Tay Forest Park. The layout of the wood was created in the 19th century in the grounds of Faskally House, which was used as a Forestry Commission school. Within the wood, close to the car park and picnic site, lies the tranquil Loch Dunmore, with its boat house and picturesque timber footbridge. There is a network of signposted walks that have recently been updated to Access for All standards through the Heritage & Access Project.

Picture copyright Donald Curry and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.

Pitlochry Salmon Ladder

The fish ladder was specially constructed at the Pitlochry Dam and Power Station (built between 1947 and 1951) to allow the fish to by-pass the 86.5m high dam to get to their spawning beds upstream. The ladder is 310 metres long and consists of 34 chambers, linked together by tunnels that the salmon can swim through. It enables around 5,000 salmon to return to their spawning grounds each year - a journey of over 5,000 miles usually undertaken between April and late September. There is an observation chamber where you might see salmon swimming (autumn is usually the best time).

The Scottish Hydro Electric Visitor Centre and fish pass observation chamber are open between April and October, Monday to Friday, and at weekends during July, August and Bank Holidays, 10.00am to 5.30pm. It features some interactive exhibits and displays about the history of hydro-power generation in Scotland and also tells the ‘Salmon Story’ through computer and video technology.

Picture copyright Adrian Beaumont and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.