Galloway hydro-electric power scheme

The Galloway scheme is a hydroelectric power complex in southwest Scotland comprising eight dams and six power stations. These facilities are linked by approximately 12 kilometers of tunnels that route water between rivers and lochs.

Construction began in 1929 as Scotland's first large-scale hydroelectric project and was completed in 1935, engineered by William McLellan and Alexander Gibb. This pioneering development transformed how the country generated electricity.

The white modernist structures of the power stations feature large glazed turbine halls, representing early industrial architecture in Scotland.

The complex is spread across a large area with multiple sites accessible on foot or by car, with some dams and stations visible from public pathways. Visit during clear weather to best see the structures and surrounding landscape.

A computerized control system at Glenlee Power Station manages water flow throughout the entire network of dams and tunnels. This automated coordination was a technological breakthrough when first introduced.

Location: Dumfries and Galloway

GPS coordinates: 54.85970,-4.03440

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01