The National Trust for Scotland officially opened its new visitor centre at Glencoe with a VIP event yesterday.
Chief Executive Simon Skinner invited guests from the local community and partners involved in the project to celebrate at the centre, which has received over £1million of investment to create an immersive, informative and welcoming gateway to Glencoe.
Interiors have been modernised throughout, taking a fresh approach to revealing the stories that make Glencoe a place cherished by visitors from across the globe.
History, wildlife and things to do in the glen are brought to life through innovative design, visual display, sound and sculpture. There is a new film screening area, exhibition space, café and information hub with 3D map.
Guests attending the VIP event were also able to view the Watchful Stag, a contemporary sculpture created by wildlife sculptor Andrew Kay.
Standing over six feet tall within the woodland glade surrounding the eco-friendly visitor centre, the sculpture is made from welded metal and has been described as a sketch in steel.
Also by Andrew Kay, a stag’s head and eagle in the café create a wonderful feature and, Glencoe, a metre long metal creation by Edinburgh based blacksmiths, K Paxton, greets visitors as they buy refreshments.
About 100 guests attended the event and were treated to a taste of the menu at the new Highland Coo Café, a chance to explore the improved centre and join walks and talks with Glencoe’s senior ranger, Scott McCombie and Trust archaeologist, Derek Alexander.
Simon Skinner declared the centre officially open by cutting a ribbon. He said: “Glencoe is one of the most significant locations cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. It’s steeped in history and is known the world over for its outstanding beauty.
“We’ve invested heavily in better telling the story of Glencoe, making sure the new centre offers visitors a memorable and enjoyable experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in this incredible place. I’m delighted to have attended this special event and declare our new centre officially open.”
In 2018 more than 210,000 people visited the Glencoe Visitor Centre and with the improvements, National Trust for Scotland is confident of increased numbers in 2019 and beyond.
The project is part of the conservation charity’s five year plan to enrich Scotland’s built and natural heritage.
