Stirling Observer

RSPB reveals new attraction at Loch Lomond

- Kaiya Marjoriban­ks

A new viewpoint has been officially opened to the public at RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond.

Gaels View was designed and built by Marc Hillis, an architectu­re student at Strathclyd­e University and forms part of the wider Scenic Routes Initiative funded by the national park.

Site manager Paula Baker said: “There have been some great changes taking place at RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond this year.

“Our new paths opened at Easter, allowing better access for visitors, and now we’re able to launch this amazing new structure where people can sit and look out over what must be one of the best views in Scotland.

“Loch Lomond is such a special place for wildlife so it’s great to be welcoming people to the site and providing them with facilities which really do complement the natural environmen­t.”

National park chief executive Gordon Watson said: “This is another great addition to the Scenic Routes viewpoints we already have at key locations around the national park.

“These are all unique designs by talented young architects, who I am delighted we have been able to support through this project. These viewpoints provide fantastic opportunit­ies for people to stop off on their journeys and enjoy the stunning surroundin­gs.

“RSPB Loch Lomond is a fabulous location with an iconic view and I am sure this will add to a great visitor experience.”

The new paths, which opened in March, were funded by the Scottishpo­wer Foundation, which is also supporting the developmen­t of a ponddippin­g area on site. Staff from the company have also been volunteeri­ng at the reserve throughout the year.

Ann McKechin from the foundation said: “We have been supporting the work of RSPB Scotland since 2014 and its dedication to inspiring a new generation to protect our natural world echoes the foundation’s commitment to the advancemen­t of environmen­tal protection.

“It is a shining example of the role that young people can play in protecting our planet for future generation­s.”

RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond, near Gartocharn, is open seven days a week from 10am-4pm. Guided walks take place every weekend and special events happen throughout the year. For more informatio­n, visit www.rspb.org.uk/ lochlomond or call 01389 830670.

This is a fabulous location with an iconic view

 ??  ?? Launch David Beaumont, Ann McKechin, Marc Hillis and Gordon Watson
Launch David Beaumont, Ann McKechin, Marc Hillis and Gordon Watson

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