Science Trip to Tongland

Congratulations to the S2 Science Award winners who, before the holidays, enjoyed a reward trip to Tongland Hydropower station near Kirkcudbright. The Tongland guide told them of the history behind the building of the series of hydropower stations by William McLellan in the 1930s. On display are original technical drawings, log books and telephones. Maps and models helped outline the slope from Loch Doon down to Tongland and pupils were impressed with the control room and sheer size of the generators. It was explained how the life cycle of the salmon is preserved and they walked along the salmon ladders which were installed to bypass the dam. Taking in breath-taking views, the highlight was when the floodgates were opened – you can really appreciate the colossal amount of energy contained in the water. Sadly, William McLellan died before he saw his vision of hydropower in operation, but thanks to his forward-thinking, we can all obtain “clean” electricity at the click of a mouse.