This scheme for hydro-electric power generation is centred
around Loch Earn, Loch Lyon and Loch Tay, approximately 14 miles
(22 km) north northwest of Callander. The area is well suited to
hydro-electric power generation, with significant rainfall on
high peaks which flows down into deep valleys. The scheme
includes seven power stations and was built by the North of
Scotland Hydro-Electric Board under the chairmanship of Tom
Johnston (1881 - 1965). Although the first section came on-
stream in 1956, it was not fully operational until 1961. Behind
Ben Lawers a system of tunnels and aqueducts collects water and
diverts it into Lochan-na-Lairige behind a massive buttress-type
dam, 344m (1128 feet) long and 42m (138 feet) high. Water
descends a vertical distance of 415m (1361 feet; the greatest
drop of any Scottish hydro-electric scheme) to Finlarig power
station on the shores of Loch Tay. To the west, the Killin
section includes three power stations at Lubreoch, Lochay and
Cashlie and involves a main storage rese