The Forestry Commission for Scotland (FCS) is set to build a new visitor facility in Glentress Forest on the Scottish Borders.

A former house near the existing car park will be converted into a new visitor centre called Glentress Peel in order to cater for the 300,000 visitors a year to the forest.

Facilities will include a wildlife viewing point housing Osprey Watch, meeting facilities and office accommodation for rangers. The centre will feature a glazed panel from the floor to the roof on one side, which will extend out over a forest viewing platform.

In addition, two new buildings will be constructed from local timber to provide a café, cycle hire facilities and an information point as well as toilets, showers and changing rooms.

Work is expected to commence on site in summer 2007, with completion in late 2008.

The FCS is currently in discussions over funding with Scottish Borders Enterprise and Sport Scotland. Details: www.forestry.gov.uk