Work on Glentress Masterplan to begin on site

Forestry and Land Scotland’s (FLS) has announced that enabling works facilitating the long awaited £multi-million redevelopment at Glentress are to begin at the end of September with the demolition of six unused buildings.

After almost 18 months of delays, resulting from COVID-19 lockdown, work is underway to realise the infrastructure developments and facility improvements at the site that will help maintain and enhance its standing as a major tourism destination.

The Glentress Masterplan includes 16km of new in-forest mountain bike trails, walking trails, increased visitor car parking capacity, and the construction of 56 new, Forest Holidays’ eco cabins to enhance the area’s tourism accommodation offer.

Martin Page, FLS Regional Visitor Services Manager, said;

“It’s been a long and frustrating wait but we are now seeing these long-overdue plans begin to materialise.

“The Glentress Masterplan is going to deliver significantly for the area, including the Tweed Valley and the Scottish Borders as a whole.

“As well as creating around 60 jobs through the construction phase and on-going management, the development is anticipated to help draw 300,000 visitors to Glentress – and inject around £1million into the local economy - every year.

“Starting work here is the first step in a raft of exciting changes and we’re pleased to be at the point where, after discussing it for so long, we can roll up our sleeves and get on with it.”

Demolition work will not restrict visitor access to any of the biking or walking trails.

Although focussed on growing the tourism potential at Glentress, the Masterplan development will stimulate local economies right across the area and deliver a positive step change for the Tweed Valley as a top visitor destination.