The Scottish Crannog Centre

By Garry Fraser -

Our May issue’s Focus is on the best to see and do in Perthshire, and here’s a bonus article on the Scottish Crannog Centre…

One of Perthshire’s most popular visitor attractions celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year. The Scottish Crannog Centre, the distinctive roundhouse sitting over the south shores of Loch Tay, is a unique reconstruction of an ancient loch dwelling.

It draws on remarkable discoveries made by divers from the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology, a charitable organisation.

Crannogs were a new type of dwelling that emerged around 2,500 years ago in Scotland and Ireland, and the Centre aims to recreate the world of our Iron Age ancestors who built crannogs around Loch Tay.

The recreated crannog that acts as the centrepiece of the visitor centre is modelled on the Oakbank Crannog on Loch Tay, built about 500 BC. It is as authentic as possible, and was built using tools and methods known to have been used at the time the Oakbank Crannog was built.

The 5-star Scottish Crannog Centre has
exhibits and activities to engage all interests
from the specialist to the passer-by

Inside, some of the 2,500 year-old artefacts are displayed with videos and interpretive boards, and outside visitors can dress up and try several ancient crafts and technologies including fire-making without matches.

The Centre has guided tours, exhibits, hands-on ancient crafts and activities. There is a gift shop, picnic area and light refreshments.

Special events run throughout the year, too, such as Iron Age Food, Bronze Age Bling, Lughnasa Summer Harvest Festival, Midsummer Music and Iron Age Archery.

It’s a stunning way to find out how our ancestors lived and worked.

For more details including opening times go to www.crannog.co.uk