An eco-friendly visitor centre has been given official credit for the principles behind its construction.

Glentress Peel, near Peebles, is the flagship centre for Forestry Commission Scotland.

It has been accepted into the Green Tourism Business Scheme with a Gold Star rating, the highest possible.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme is a UK-wide standard for sustainable tourism.

It has 2350 members who are assessed on their adherence to environmental law, their impact on surrounding environment and their use of resources.

The timber used in the buildings' trusses are from trees felled in Glentress and surplus wood was used for panelling, heating and hot water for the whole complex is supplied via a modern and efficient wood chip boiler, and the bike wash uses rainwater collected from the site.

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Cathie Sutherland of Forestry Commission Scotland said: "We are all thrilled to bits. This is a very prestigious award for the Commission and it really showcases just how fantastic timber is as an attractive and environmentally friendly building material."

Ms Sutherland posed with Claire Bony from on-site GT Restaurants and Simon Todd from Alpine Bikes, after receiving the award.

Andrea Nicholas, Manager of Green Tourism Business Scheme said: "We're delighted to award Forestry Commission Scotland with the Gold award for its stunning Glentress Peel development. Not only does the building look fantastic, it is also very practical for the outdoor visitors that it caters for. The Commission has approached the whole development on sustainable principles and its green credentials are just what we would like to see replicated elsewhere."

Glentress Peel has been open for a year now.

(NE)