Forestry Commission - News - new improvements for kirroughtree

Kirroughtree Visitor Centre is drawing in so many more visitors than before that a brand new car park and an improved access road is to be built to cope with demand.

The centre is a key destination for many as it plays host to some fantastic family walking routes and some of Britain's best mountain biking through the new 7stanes trails.

Latest figures show that 40,000 people visit the centre each year and that's nearly a whopping 17,000 up on the previous year.

Dan Cadle of Forestry Commission Scotland said:

"The visitor centre is a big success and we want to build on this for the future. The centre boasts a network of walking and biking trails that are proving a big hit with locals and tourists visiting the area.

"An added attraction, which is a direct result from the 7stanes biking initiative, is the upgrade of the children's play area. This new facility helps establish Kirroughtree as a great family destination. There are also plans to build a brand new all-ability trail around the pond which is certainly great news.

"Due to the rise in visitors, the existing car park is sometimes swamped so, in consultation with the local community, we are to start building a new car park and make improvements to the existing road into the centre. There will be some disruption whilst work carries on but we aim to get it all done and dusted within a few weeks."

Work is due to commence at the beginning of November and will last approximately one month. The Visitor Centre will remain open for weekends right up to the Christmas Fair on 11th and 12th December and then closed until the season starts next year.

The Kirroughtree Visitor Centre is located near Newton Stewart and is a central point for information on all the recreation facilities in the forest, as well as being a great place to stop for refreshments. There are picnic sites, view points, biking and walking trails all starting from the centre.

The 7stanes mountain bike project is creating seven mountain bike centres right across the whole of south Scotland. For more information on the trails log on to www.7stanes.gov.uk.

Media enquiries to Dan Cadle, Galloway Forest District, 01671 402 420 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.