New Gateway to Glencoe looking good

The Glencoe visitor centre has benefited from a refit so that it better tells the story of the area’s world-renowned mountain landscape and National Nature Reserve.

The refurbishment took place over the winter, transforming the existing eco-friendly centre into 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 such a cherished place. History, wildlife and things to do in the glen are brought to life through quirky design, visual displays, sound and sculpture.

A new 50-seat film screening space will show a specially commissioned film with narration from Game of Thrones star Rory McCann. The piece takes viewers on a journey from the glen’s volcanic origins, through fire, then ice, towards the tragic events of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre, and on to its popularity with walkers and tourists today.

A new exhibition space will focus a spotlight on a different theme every year. For the first exhibition, ‘Pioneers of the Peaks’, the Trust has partnered up with mountaineering clubs, mountain rescuers and the Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection to explore the glen’s role in shaping mountaineering and climbing in Scotland over the last 100 years. The exhibition brings together some unique archive imagery, artefacts, audio and stories, past and present.

The Highland Coo Café offers panoramic views of the mountains of Glencoe from its new extension, and features stories ingrained into the tables, listening posts to hear local folk tales in both English and Gaelic, as well as a new menu. The shop has also been refreshed with exclusive Scottish gifts and distinctive Glencoe product ranges.

All income generated at the visitor centre contributes towards our work in the National Nature Reserve. The Trust has owned and cared for the glen since the 1930s. The investment is part of a five year strategy to improve Scotland’s built and natural heritage.