The main Gateway to Galloway Forest Park, the Kirroughtree Visitor Centre features retail and dining public spaces, a bike shop, bike hire facilities, staff offices, and accommodation.

Galloway Forest Park – the UK’s largest forest park at 78,000 hectares – was uniquely designated in 2009 by the International Dark-Sky Association as only the fourth Dark Sky Park in the world – and the first in the UK.

A Dark Sky Park is a place with exceptionally dark night skies that people have committed to keeping exceptionally dark by controlling the light pollution in the area – allowing visitors to experience an unparalleled view of the night sky.

The park is one of the very best places to observe the night sky in the UK. For its breathtaking and rare stargazing conditions, it was even awarded the status of Gold Tier park.

As a result of being a ‘Dark Sky Park’, and the remote location of the building, special consideration had to be given to many factors of the M&E design. Crucially, the lighting had to be designed in accordance with Dark Sky Compliant Luminaires.

DSSR also carried out the M&E design and refurbishment of four other Visitor Centres (David Marshall Lodge; Clatteringshaws Visitors Centre; Glentrool Visitors Centre; Queens View Visitors Centre in Perth).

For more information on the Kirroughtree Visitors Centre, visit forestryandland.gov.scot