A new 16-space car park has been created at Newbattle Abbey College by Forestry Commission Scotland. The additional facilities will make Lord Ancrum's Wood more accessible to visitors, it has been said.

The new car park can be found located on the left-hand side after entering the college grounds from Newbattle Road. A new path has also been constructed to connect visitors from the car park to the Grotto Bridge entrance of the wood.

Welcoming the project, John Ogilvie, Forestry Commission Scotland forester, said: "Lord Ancrum's Wood is a popular spot with more visitors using the site. There are parking spaces outside the College but these are used by students and staff, making it difficult for visitors.

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"That's why we sought planning permission from Midlothian Council and worked with Historic Scotland for approval to create additional parking. Due to the proximity of the trees, we used a special car park surface to avoid damage to tree roots."

Ann Southwood, Principal of Newbattle Abbey College, added: "The College welcomes Forestry Commission Scotland's support for this new development. The car park will significantly improve access to Lord Ancrum's Wood and, already, it is proving popular with visitors and dog walkers to the estate."

The construction cost for the car park has been funded from the Mary Emily Scott Legacy. The fund is managed by the Forestry Commission and encourages the development of greenspace projects for the benefit of young people and residents of Edinburgh and Midlothian.

(JP/CD)