A NEW Visitor Centre opened its doors in Colvend last week.
The official launch of “Explore the Secret Coast” was attended by representatives of a number of organisations, local landowners and businesses who came together to bring nature-based tourism to the fore.
Sir Norman Arthur, Lord Lieutenant for the Stewartry, and his wife, Tessa, were there to see the culmination of two years of hard work. Lady Arthur cut a red ribbon to officially open the new centre.
Philip and Rebecca Hodgson, owners of the local store and Post Office, felt that the derelict filling station that forms part of their property could serve a better use, and began researching what could be done with a view to creating a tourist information centre.
They then joined forces with the Making Tracks scheme, which brought local people and businesses together to create a focal point for their nature-based projects.
It was felt that the old station could become a centre to bring the projects together, and to let visitors know all about the nature trails and activites going on around them.
Amongst the projects are red squirrel viewing taking place at Kippford caravan park, barn owl viewing at East Barcloy Farm, a butterfly bank and footpath which have been created at the Drumstinchall, bird-watching at the Baron’s Craig Hotel, extra paths created from Barend Stables into the Dalbeattie forest and improved and new paths in local forests.
The centre offers visitors a glimpse of resident and visiting wildlife through information boards, displays, a seven-minute video and an area that has been set aside just for children.
As well as Making Tracks, those involved in the project included Dumfires and Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, and representatives from the National Scenic Area.
A spokesman for Making Tracks said they felt the centre would help to attract more visitors and encourage tourists to extend their stays.
Councillor Helen Bell, who is also the chairman of the East Stewartry NSA branch, added: ''This centre will help to raise awareness and understanding about this outstanding landscape and all it has to offer, and encourage people to go out and explore it for themselves.”
Philip and Rebecca are now looking forward to putting some finishing touches to the exterior of the new centre, which will share opening hours with their store and Post Office.
