THE IMPORTANCE of wildlife to the economy was emphasised by Provost Bob Scott when he officially opened the refurbished visitor centre at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes reserve on Saturday.

Mr Scott said, “As a member of the Scottish Wildlife Trust I am aware of the valuable work it undertakes, and have used the facility on numerous occasions in the past and look forward to visiting the refurbished centre in the future.

“Perthshire is rich in wildlife and attractions such as the Loch of the Lowes lead the way in providing a worthwhile and exciting wildlife experience. This is enhanced further through informative displays, with knowledgeable staff on hand to give additional information if required.”

Accompanied by SWT chairman Dennis Dick, Mr Scott was shown around the centre and introduced to many of the people involved in the refurbishment.

The SWT’s chairman, himself from Perth, said the centre was the only profit-making visitor centre the SWT operated, and attracted a host of volunteers willing to work there.

Recently, they even had a volunteer from Spain.

“Loch of the Lowes is one of three SWT visitor centres, each of which has been refurbished to a high standard over the last few years,” he said.

“This has only been possible thanks to the generous support of our funders, including the Heritage Lottery Fund. This huge investment will provide years of enjoyment for visitors and we hope will educate and inform about the importance of Scottish wildlife and its protection.”

Attracting over one million visitors since it opened in 1970, Loch of the Lowes covers over 95 hectares, 95% of which is water.

Centre manager Peter Frens said while the ospreys and their nest were the major attraction, the new enlarged window overlooking the feeding centre was proving popular, giving visitors the chance to watch red squirrels, woodpeckers and a host of other birds.

During the £200,000 refurbishment major architectural improvements were also undertaken to improve access for wheelchair users, create a better entrance, enhance shop facilities and replace accommodation for volunteers manning the 24- hour watch while ospreys are sitting on their eggs. The wooden accommodation block is an environmentally friendly building.