Three visitor centres are to open in the Galloway Forest Park following refurbishment.

Forestry Commission Scotland spent £4.5m to improve the facilities at the centres.

In Kirroughtree, a brand new state-of-the-art complex has been built, while at Clatteringshaws, the centre has been modernised, as has the facility at Glentrool.

Upgrades are already complete at the Clatteringshaws and Glentrool sites, with Kirroughtree expected to open its doors for the first time this weekend (7 December).

Covering more than 300 square miles, the forest park attracts almost one million visitors every year.

Welcoming the announcement that all works have now been completed, Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "Galloway Forest Park was established back in 1947 and is famed for its wilderness, rugged landscapes, nature and outdoor recreation.


"This multi-million pound investment in forest tourism marks a significant commitment to help support and grow green tourism in the region."

Keith Muir, Tourism Manager at Forestry Commission Scotland's Galloway office added: "The new centres are stylish, modern and are designed to be very user friendly for the many visitors who are coming to Galloway Forest Park.

"The region has so much to offer in terms of green tourism and these new visitor centres are just what we need to create a more welcoming experience.

"The fact that we have local businesses working in partnership with the Commission to run the centres is great news and good for the local economy."

Paula McDonald, Regional Director of VisitScotland said the investment "shows a real commitment to growing tourism in Dumfries & Galloway."

"An investment into tourism is an investment into Scotland's future and these centres offer fantastic facilities for locals and visitors, taking the tourism product to a whole new level," she added.

(JP/IT)