Major improvements for visitors to Glencoe

Glencoe’s wildlife, historical importance and cultural significance will be presented in a fresh, imaginative way, enhancing the current visitor centre which was constructed 16 years ago.

The investment at the site is part of the National Trust for Scotland’s five-year, £57 million programme to improve visitor experience and the condition of the heritage in our care.

Simon Skinner, Chief Executive at the National Trust for Scotland, said:

‘Glencoe is a perfect example of what we do. It’s an extraordinarily complex place where we welcome visitors from around the world, all coming for different reasons.

‘It’s one of the eight National Nature Reserves in our care, and many visitors are drawn by the landscape and nature. Others come to find out about the history of the place and the Glencoe Massacre, which still has the power to evoke powerful emotions. Increasingly, we’re seeing more visitors to Glencoe thanks to its starring role on small and big screens.

‘We have to continually adapt and review how we go about responding to the needs of the diverse groups who come to Glencoe and that’s what we’re doing with the new visitor centre. Our investment, which we do for the love of Scotland, will provide visitors with a much-improved experience at one of Scotland’s most significant national and natural treasures.’

Clea Warner, General Manager at the National Trust for Scotland North West Region, added: ‘Glencoe is such a unique location and we want to make sure that those who visit get the best possible experience, even if they’re only there for a short time. The new visitor centre will make the most of the space and allow more people to experience and appreciate the site.

‘The work will be carried out within the existing footprint of the visitor centre, although we’ll be using the space differently, to better effect. The project will give visitors the chance to learn more about the story of Glencoe and its place in the history of Scotland, enhancing the entire visitor experience.’

This major investment announcement follows the launch of the Trust’s corporate strategy, which sets out an ambitious programme for investment and activity, with plans to spend almost £60 million on Scotland’s built and natural heritage over the next five years.

The Glencoe Visitor Centre upgrade is one of the Trust’s priority projects for 2018-19 and an example of one of the ‘100 Ways’ the Trust is protecting Scotland’s heritage.

The proposal for the Glencoe Visitor Centre upgrade has been submitted to the Highland Council for planning consent. If approved, works will be undertaken in autumn 2018.