Plans have been revealed to invest nearly £2 million to develop conference facilities at an activity centre in Dumfries and Galloway.

Laggan Outdoor in Gatehouse of Fleet will soon start refurbishing and extending an existing farm steading, with completion expected later this year.

The scheme will see £1.9m invested to develop new facilities for up to 400 people or 240 seated guests.

The project is part of Laggan Outdoor's plans to expand domestic and international opportunities in both the corporate and wedding markets.

The investment includes a Scottish Enterprise grant of £362,000 to support the expansion, which will create 34 new full and part-time jobs over the next two years.

The company has made a number of recent investments, including new accommodation units which have already helped secure local employment on a year-round basis.

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Duncan McConchie of Laggan Outdoor said: "We've worked hard in recent years to explore new opportunities to grow the business. This development marks a significant milestone in our journey towards our long-term goal of becoming a nationally recognised Rural Venue of Excellence. The support we've received from Scottish Enterprise in terms of leadership development and for this latest venture has been instrumental in helping us achieve our ambitions."

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "I am delighted to see this expansion of Laggan Outdoor which will create and protect jobs and generate business in Gatehouse of Fleet.

"Rural businesses play a vital role in our economy which is why the Scottish Government is working with our agencies to explore how we can best deliver investment, sustainable growth, jobs and opportunities and see more success stories like Laggan Outdoors."

Adrian Gillespie, managing director of growth companies, innovation and infrastructure at Scottish Enterprise, said: "Laggan is a fantastic example of a business that has taken full advantage of support like the Rural Leadership Programme to help drive forward strategic growth and this fresh investment will help the company secure a bright future as it capitalises on existing and new markets such as corporate and international conferencing."

(LM)