The complex was laid out in the form of a ‘clachan’ or Highland settlement with various traditional style (small and low-lying) buildings rather than one large structure. The buildings were arranged around a stand of existing native trees with the absolute minimum of tree felling. This helped to bring the virtually untouched, naturally regenerating landscape right up close to the visitor as they moved among the various parts of the centre via external boardwalks. Soils from the area have been used around the buildings so natural regeneration of plants will take place rather than using imported ‘landscaping’ species.

The buildings themselves were constructed on above-ground beams resting on ‘pad foundations’. This allows tree roots and natural groundwater to travel unhindered across the site.

Rooflights were specially designed to allow downflow of incoming air at the foot of the skylight and exhaust of warmer air at the top. The windows were designed and built in Dornoch, from Scottish Oak from Newtonmore and to seal them into the wall, sheep’s wool was used – a Norwegian idea.

All the materials have been vetted for the extent to which they are healthy to the site and to visitors. There is not a single concrete block in the entire site and no PVC.

What heat is required is provided by a heating system fuelled by locally sourced woodchips (from forest thinnings). It is CO₂ neutral, environmentally friendly and provides all the hot water for the caravan site too. Passive solar energy also contributes to many parts of the clachan. Energy requirements are lower than conventional buildings.

The whole site is served by a new private water supply collected in a new reservoir and filtered before use. It is treated via a silver/copper ionisation process not chlorine. Water is also used sparingly – the WCs are super-low flush. An enlarged and environmentally sensitive sewage works has been installed for the Clachan and the neighbouring caravan site before discharge into the River Coe. It is an efficient system using simple but state of the art recycling technology to cope with seasonal variations. A new footpath link has encouraged centre visitors to also visit Glencoe village and to support local businesses.

The centre has various displays telling the full story of Glencoe, from its beginnings as a volcano, through its shaping by the ice age, to the coming of man and the history of inhabitation including the famous Massacre of Glencoe. The interpretation has tried to take a balanced approach and has looked at all viewpoints During the planning of the exhibition three major themes were chosen to underpin the detailed story and the use of various media such as ‘touch screens’:- The People, The Mountains and Conservation for the Future.

The centre has received a gold award as part of the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS). Click here for further information about this scheme.

For further information about the Glencoe Visitor Centre and the work of The National Trust for Scotland in Glencoe please contact:

updated on 3 February 2004