Cruachan Power Station Visitor Centre
6 minute walk from Falls of Cruachan station · Highlands and Argyll
Cruachan Power Station is a significant pumped-storage hydroelectric scheme located in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. As one of only four such facilities in the United Kingdom, it serves as a vital energy hub capable of providing a black start to the National Grid.
This engineering marvel is famously known as a "hidden" station because its massive turbine hall is located 300 metres deep inside the granite rock of Ben Cruachan. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965, the site is recognised as a key monument of post-war Scottish architecture and has even served as a filming location for the Star Wars series, Andor.
Visitors can explore the facility through its dedicated visitor centre situated by Loch Awe, which welcomes around 50,000 tourists each year. Inside, you can see a modernist mural by Elizabeth Falconer and experience the unique atmosphere of the tropical-plant-lined access tunnel leading into the heart of the mountain.
Guided tours of Cruachan Power Station are currently suspended until 2028 whilst it's being upgraded. The Visitor Centre with free exhibition, cafe and gift shop remains open.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Industrial visitor attraction
- Good for
- Architecture, Engineering landmarks, Industrial heritage, Science & discovery
- Characteristics
- 20th-century, Lakeside, Modernist, Nationally significant
- Admission
- Paid admission
- Facilities
- Café, Visitor centre
- Region
- Highlands and Argyll
Stations within walking distance
- Falls of Cruachan station — 6 min walk, 0.5 km
Other places near Falls of Cruachan
- Ben Cruachan and Stob Daimh — 1 min walk from the station