Glencoe visitor centre opens

Simon Skinner, Chief Executive, invited guests from the local community and partners involved in the project to celebrate at the centre. It has received over £1 million of investment to create a more immersive, informative and welcoming gateway to Glencoe.

Interiors have been modernised throughout, taking a fresh approach to revealing the stories that make Glencoe a place cherished by visitors from across the globe. History, wildlife and things to do in the glen are brought to life through innovative design, visual display, sound and sculpture. There’s a new film screening area, exhibition space, café and information hub with a 3D map.

Guests attending the VIP event were also able to view the Watchful Stag, a new contemporary sculpture created by wildlife sculptor Andrew Kay. Standing over 2m tall in the woodland glade surrounding the eco-friendly visitor centre, the sculpture is made from carefully chosen three-dimensional brush-strokes of welded metal and has been described as a sketch in steel. It represents a fleeting glimpse in the wild of this emblem of the Highland landscape.

Also by Andrew Kay, a stag’s head and eagle in the café create a wonderful feature. Glencoe, a 1m-long metal creation by Edinburgh-based blacksmiths K Paxton, greets visitors as they buy their refreshments.

100 guests attended the event and were treated to a taste of the menu at the new Highland Coo café. They had the chance to explore the improved centre and join walks and talks with Glencoe’s Senior Ranger Scott McCombie and Trust Archaeologist Derek Alexander.

Simon Skinner declared the centre officially open by cutting a ribbon. He said: ‘Glencoe is one of the most significant locations cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. It’s steeped in history and is known the world over for its outstanding beauty.’

In 2018, more than 210,000 people visited the Glencoe visitor centre; with the improvements, we’re confident of increased numbers in 2019 and beyond. This project is part of our five-year plan to enrich Scotland’s built and natural heritage.