A new visitor complex at Kirroughtree and a major refit of Clatteringshaws are to form part of a major GBP4.5m investment at Scotland's Galloway Forest Park.

The proposals, which have been drawn up by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), form part of a wider strategy to enhance the park's visitor experience and to double tourist expenditure across the local economy by 2015.

FCS is part of the Scottish Government's Environment and Forestry Directorate and is responsible for the management of the country's national forest estate.

Work on the improved visitor facilities, which also includes upgrading Glentrool's centre, is due to be completed in early 2014. JM Architects are involved with the scheme.

FCS district manager Rob Soutar said: "[The park's] forests, woodlands and moorlands are an amazing asset and are a key component in supporting the area's tourism sector.

"Our visitor centres were developed many years ago when visitor numbers were lower. Since then we've worked hard to make our national forests and woodlands a key draw for visitors and the new facilities will be the icing on the cake."

More than two years ago, Galloway Forest Park received Dark Sky Park status and is among the best locations in the world for stargazing, according to the International Dark Sky Association.

Details: you-well.co.uk/galloway-forest-park

Image: JM Architects