Montrose Basin Visitor Centre has reopened following a successful enhancement project.

Thanks to supporters including National Lottery players through the Heritage Lottery Fund the displays in the four-star visitor centre have been given a fresh new look, including video screens showing wildlife highlights from throughout the year. 

Environmentally friendly LED lighting has been installed to light up the interpretation areas thanks to SUEZ Communities Trust (formerly SITA Trust). 

“We’re confident that visitors will love the new changes,” says Visitor Centre Manager Caroline Hendry. “The centre is a great place to find out about the importance of wetland habitats, or simply sit with a coffee and watch wildlife through our viewing window.

“200 different birds have been seen on the basin, so it’s well worth coming back regularly to see a variety of wildlife, and watch how the reserve changes through the year.”

Montrose Basin reserve is a haven for wildlife, best known for attracting tens of thousands of wintering pink-footed geese. The reserve is also home to common seals and a wide range of wading birds. 

The enhancement project received a £37,800 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It also received support from the Crown Estate, SUEZ Communities Trust, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s North Angus, and Dundee & Angus Local Groups. 

Lucy Casot, Head of HLF Scotland, said: “HLF is delighted to support the Enhancing the Visitor Journey at Montrose Basin project that will stimulate people’s interest in the natural world and so help them conserve it for future generations.”

Marianne Ivin of SUEZ Communities Trust said: “This was a very simple project but one that will make a great impact on the new displays and the experience of the visitors to the centre.”

Montrose Basin Visitor Centre is open daily from 10.30am to 5.00pm until winter hours begin on 31 October.