Iron Age

Five years after the devastating fire, the crannog is complete at The Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay.The completion marks the end of the first £6 million project.The project was to re-establish the centre on a new site with a visitor centre/museum/café, car park, Iron Age Village, play park, sensory garden and the crannog.The second project – which will require more fundraising – is to build two more crannogs, a state-of-the-art museum and create a centre of excellence in traditional skills, as well as plans for some social housing.However, managing director Mike Benson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they were “taking a breath” before costing Project Two “which is a bit of a way off just now”.For now The Scottish Crannog Centre is delighted to announce that the crannog is now officially open to visitors.On Monday, a spokesperson for The Scottish Crannog Centre said: “We would like to say a HUGE thank you to our incredible build team and dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to create this magnificent structure.“Through heatwaves, snow, wind and rain, they have shown remarkable determination and commitment to bring this vision to life. Every challenge was met with hard work, skill and passion, and the result is something truly extraordinary.“Construction began in October 2024, and now, in July 2026, we are proud to see the completed crannog standing proudly out on the loch, a stunning testament to traditional craftsmanship, teamwork and perseverance.“We couldn’t be prouder of everyone who helped make this possible. Thank you to every volunteer, supporter and member of the build team for being part of this incredible journey.“Come and see the crannog for yourself; we can’t wait to welcome you!”Around 2,500 years ago some Scots lived in Iron Age loch-dwellings known as “crannogs” – 18 of which have been found on Perthshire’s Loch Tay. In 1997 a crannog was reconstructed – based on excavation results – and became The Scottish Crannog Centre’s showpiece until it was destroyed by fire in 2021.The blaze hastened the need for the planned development of the £12 million new centre on the other side of the loch at Dalerb.The centre says it has now “rebuilt and become bigger and better than ever, thanks to the efforts of many through fundraising, development, and dedication”.The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm with guided tours.