THE CAITHNESS Glass kilns have been fired up again as the world famous company begins production in its new Crieff home.

The firm was forced to move from its previous Perth base as redevelopment work on the site led to a drop in customer numbers but backers are predicting a fine future at Crieff Visitor Centre.

It is expected the Caithness Glass team will soon be shipping their wares across the world again, with orders from paperweight collectors from as far afield as Japan and Australia.

Among the first paperweights to be made at the new home is a special one-off commemorative piece by Caithness Glass designer Sarah Peterson, inspired by the glorious landscape surrounding Crieff.

The wild flower encased in the glass was cut by Martin Murray.

The new factory and shop will be officially opened later this month by local MSP Roseanna Cunningham. It will hope to tap into custom from around 100,000 visitors to Crieff Visitor Centre which employs 30 to 35 staff during peak season.

The Caithness Glass complex includes a viewing gallery for visitors as well as interactive entertainment for all ages including hand-casting, allowing visitors to have the shape of their hands cast in glass, and creating their very own bespoke paperweight.

Crieff Visitor Centre owner Stuart McLaren said he was delighted to welcome Caithness Glass and looking forward to working with its owners, Dartington Crystal.

John Morris, managing director of Dartington Crystal, added, “Crieff Visitor Centre is an ideal location for our type of business and I am sure we will complement and add to what is already a popular tourist and leisure attraction.”