Robertson, the infrastructure, support services and construction group has won a £3.9 million contract to improve visitor centres in Dumfries and Galloway on behalf of the Forestry Commission Scotland.
Construction work on the Forestry Commission’s new flagship visitor centre at Kirroughtree, and refurbishment work to two existing centres at Clatteringshaws and Glentrool all within Galloway Forest Park, starts in December.
The improvement work is part of the Forestry Commissions plans to boost tourism across their sites.
Regional Managing Director for Robertson, Martin Smith, said: “These plans will significantly enhance the visitor experience at these Forestry Commission sites. Robertson has established itself as a leading contractor due to our ability to utilise expertise from across the group to work on sensitive and sustainable projects alongside our commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget.
“We look forward to seeing the results of the Forestry Commission’s investment which will be a major boost for the Dumfries and Galloway tourism sector.”
The £3.4 million Kirroughtree Visitor Centre will be built using sustainable materials including timber and stone. Ground floor heating from renewable sources and a wood burning stove will mark key features on the new development. New showers and changing facilities will also be fitted and landscaped gardens will compliment the exterior of the building.
The existing Kirroughtree Visitor centre will become an office space for the Forestry Commission and other partner organisations.
Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre will benefit from a major £0.45million refurbishment incorporating large glass windows to showcase the view over the nearby Clatteringshaws Loch and Dark Sky Park. Glentrool Visit Centre, which is the smallest of the three, will receive a small upgrade.
Keith Muir, Tourism Manager with Forestry Commission Scotland in Galloway said: “The new visitor services we have planned are a major step up in terms of what we will offer visitors in the future. We started planning for the project three years ago and now the hard work to bring it to life begins. I look forward to working with Robertson to create first class, sustainable visitor services that will create a fantastic atmosphere for our visitors.”
Robertson is also upgrading the David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in the Trossachs. Work on site started in September and will be complete in June 2013.
