Renfrewshire residents are being urged to visit the RSPB nature reserve in Lochwinnoch following the official opening of its new boardwalk today.
The 405m walkway allows better access to view water birds and provides scenic views of the Aird Meadow Loch before ending at a viewpoint beside the Peel Tower.
Until now, most visitors did not know that the nature reserve was home to a 16th century fortified tower, which was built by the Sempill family as a "safe place" in times of war.
The new route will also help staff and volunteers manage the site for the benefit of visitors and wildlife, giving easy access to areas that were previously hard to reach and could be susceptible to anti-social behaviour occurring in areas that were out of sight.
Tabby Lamont, RSPB Scotland site manager at Lochwinnoch, said: "The new boardwalk is a real game-changer for the nature reserve.
"It will allow our visitors to experience new views and see so much more of the incredible wildlife here, not to mention the Peel Tower, that hardly anyone even knew was there.
"At the same time, it means our staff and volunteers can easily access the site and make sure it's safely managed for everyone and for the wildlife that uses the loch."
At the official opening of the boardwalk this afternon, all those who have been involved in delivering and supporting this project will be marking its successful completion with a celebration event and walk at RSPB Lochwinnoch.
The boardwalk project has been funded by VisitScotland through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Garnock Connections project and the project has been supported by Renfrewshire Council.
The restoration of the Peel Tower was funded by Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Garnock Connections project.
Dave Beaumont, reserves manager at RSPB, said: "The nature reserve in Lochwinnoch of the most easily accessible sites that we've got.
"We've got a great team here who are very welcoming and there's things for both adults and kids to do.
"At the moment, we've got all sorts of birds that are breeding in front of the centre, so it's wonderful time for people to come out and see the wildlife."
For more information about RSPB Lochwinnoch, including directions, visit www.rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here