MONARCH OF THE GLEN STAR OPENS URQUHART CASTLE VISITOR CENTRE
21 AUGUST 2003
SOURCE: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/txtonly/news-full-article.htm?articleid=443

Hamish Clark, well known for his role of Duncan in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen, officially opened the recently completed Urquhart Castle Visitor Centre this Thursday, July 4th.

The £5million visitor centre has added high quality facilities and detailed interpretation to what is one of the Highlands’ most popular tourist destinations. The story of Urquhart Castle is now told through original artefacts, on display at the site for the first time, and through a distinctive introductory film that captures the legend of Urquhart’s earliest days through to its dramatic destruction in the late 1700s.

Speaking about the opening, Hamish Clark said:
“I’ve spent the best part of the last four years in the Highlands filming Monarch of the Glen and have used the little time I have had off to re-explore the area. I have visited Urquhart Castle before and I know this new centre will be a huge asset to the local community and Scotland’s tourist industry.”

Historic Scotland Director and Chief Executive, Graeme Munro said:
“Urquhart Castle attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year to its ruins on the shores of Loch Ness. The new centre not only provides the story to match the scenery, but also incorporates quality facilities that will enhance any visit.

“Throughout the construction of the centre, Historic Scotland has been delighted with the support and co-operation of the Drumnadrochit community, and I believe the centre is a valuable addition to the full range of tourism activities on offer in the Highlands.”

The visitor centre has been designed to provide easy access for people with mobility problems. Induction loops have been installed at the tills and so that the hard of hearing can listen to the audio-visual display.

It is also a model of green tourism, using energy saving techniques such as heat recovery and a high level of thermal insulation to cut waste, and has been awarded the coveted Gold award under VisitScotland’s Green Tourism Business Scheme.

A 75-seat café serves light meals, homebaking and freshly brewed coffee supplied by local Drumnadrochit firm, the Loch Ness Coffee Company. The attractive retail area highlights some of the best local crafts in the Highland region, and many are exclusive to Urquhart Castle and Historic Scotland.