Work gets underway today on a major project to transform the visitor experience at the National Trust for Scotland’s Glencoe Visitor Centre.
Alongside an extension, cafe revamp and new doorway to the centre, an external walkway will be improved. It is due to be completed in early 2019.
Glencoe is one of the busiest NTS sites outside the central belt of Scotland. It stands at the entrance to the site of the infamous Glencoe Massacre.
The area has been caught on camera for the big screen in the Harry Potter films, The 39 Steps, Braveheart, Rob Roy and Skyfall. It has seen a boom in tourism over the last five years, in some part to do with its connection with blockbuster movies.
Improvements at the centre are among the top priorities for newly-appointed operations manager Emily Bryce, who is just weeks into her new role.
Ms Bryce says the plans for the Glencoe centre will make a huge difference to the visitor experience at one of Scotland’s most popular locations.
She said: “Glencoe is one of Scotland’s natural treasures and captures the imagination of many people, for many different reasons.
“We’ll be making the most of the glen’s amazing stories, from its origins, millions of years ago, to the present day, to give visitors an even more memorable experience and to explain why we do all we do to protect this place, for the love of Scotland.
She added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors all winter and giving them a glimpse of what they can expect after our fantastic refresh.”
The project at Glencoe Visitor Centre is part of a five-year, £57 million programme by NTS to improve the condition of the heritage in its care.
From Saturday, a combined café, shop and information point will be located in the centre’s function room. This-one stop shop will be open daily, all winter long.
The National Trust for Scotland has cared for Glencoe since 1935.