Construction group Robertson has won a £3.9m contract to work on visitor centres in Dumfries and Galloway.

The Forestry Commission awarded the contract for work on its new flagship visitor centre at Kirroughtree and the refurbishment of two existing centres at Clatteringshaws and Glentrool.

All projects are within Galloway Forest Park and will start in December. The work is part of plans to boost tourism.

Regional Managing Director for Robertson Martin Smith said: "These plans will significantly enhance the visitor experience at these Forestry Commission sites. Robertson has established itself as a leading contractor due to our ability to utilise expertise from across the group to work on sensitive and sustainable projects alongside our commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget."

-- Advertisement --

The £3.4m Kirroughtree Visitor Centre will use sustainable materials including timber and stone.

Ground floor heating will be generated from renewable sources. New showers and changing facilities will also be fitted.

The existing Kirroughtree Visitor centre will now become an office space for the Forestry Commission.

Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre will undergo a £0.45m refurbishment using large glass windows to show off the view of Clatteringshaws Loch and Dark Sky Park. Glentrool Visit Centre will receive a small upgrade.

Keith Muir, Tourism Manager with Forestry Commission Scotland in Galloway said: "The new visitor services we have planned are a major step up in terms of what we will offer visitors in the future. We started planning for the project three years ago and now the hard work to bring it to life begins. I look forward to working with Robertson to create first class, sustainable visitor services that will create a fantastic atmosphere for our visitors."

(IT)