A pirate ship, rocking frog and jumbo noughts and crosses game are among the items of play equipment recently installed at the Cruachan, The Hollow Mountain visitor centre, on the banks of Loch Awe.

The mini play park, in a picnic area on the lochside, adds a new dimension to facilities at the Scottish Power tourist attraction, which offers visitors an insight into the workings Cruachan Power station, one of Scotland’s foremost engineering achievements.

In tandem with the existing coffee shop and the children’s ‘interactive house’ and dressing-up station inside, the new play equipment reflects a commitment on the part of the centre to welcome local families as well as those visiting the area.

“We’re in a beautiful spot, and there are things to outdoors and indoors,” said Sarah Cameron, visitor centre manager. “We want local people to feel that the free facilities here are for them to come and use, whenever they want to.”