Good news for regular visitors to Glentress Forest, as plans for a new multi-million pound visitor centre go ahead. £5 million will be spent on the new Glentress Peel centre, which will be built to the highest eco-friendly standards and will make it a focal point for all outdoor activities in South East Scotland.

The four-building development will be in a landscaped location on the edge of Glentress Forest, connected by trails and served by new car parking areas. The 12 acre site will include a bike shop and bike hire services, showers, toilets, changing areas, information services and a café.

All the buildings are to be built on sustainable principles and will be a showcase for the use of timber, with the frame of the building using locally sourced trees.

Environment Minister Michael Russell says: “Glentress Forest is visited by around 300,000 people every year and these new facilities will provide them with a memorable experience and high quality services.

"Glentress Peel will bring the site to life and play a big part in Glentress becoming a centre of excellence for outdoor recreation. It will also make a significant contribution to the local economy and be a source of pride for local communities."

Site preparation will begin in November under the direction of civil engineers RJ McLeod. Construction work on the project is expected to start in spring 2009 and a completed by summer 2010. Glentress forest will remain open during this time however visitors will need to pay attention to construction site signage and obey diversion signs and safety instructions.

The £5m capital funding from Forestry Commission Scotland is supported with £200k from Sport Scotland and £740k from Scottish Enterprise.

www.forestry.gov.uk/glentress.