A NEW Scenic Routes structure has been officially opened to the public at RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond.

Named Gaels View, it was designed and built by Marc Hillis, a 5th year architecture student from the University of Strathclyde.

The structure forms part of the wider Scenic Routes Initiative, funded by the Scottish Government via the National Parks.

Paula Baker, RSPB Scotland’s site manager at Loch Lomond, said: "There have been some great changes taking place at RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond this year.

"Our new paths opened at Easter, allowing better access for visitors, and now we’re able to launch this amazing new structure where people can sit and look out over what must be one of the best views in Scotland.

"Loch Lomond is such a special place for wildlife, so it’s great to be welcoming people to the site and providing them with facilities which really do compliment the natural environment."

Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: "This is another great addition to the Scenic Routes viewpoints we already have at key locations around the National Park.

"These are all unique designs by talented young architects, who I am delighted we have been able to support through this project.

"These viewpoints provide fantastic opportunities for people to stop off on their journeys and enjoy the stunning surroundings of the National Park.

"RSPB Loch Lomond is a fabulous location with an iconic view and I am sure this will add to a great visitor experience."

The new paths at RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond, which opened in March, were also officially launched on July, 14.

They were funded by the ScottishPower Foundation, which is also supporting the development of a pond-dipping area on site.

Staff from ScottishPower have also been volunteering at the reserve throughout the year.

Ann McKechin, trustee and executive officer at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: "We are delighted to be here today to celebrate the opening of the new pathway; which will transform access for visitors, including many children, and help them to get even closer to Scotland’s wildlife.

"We’ve been supporting the work of RSPB Scotland since 2014, and its dedication to inspiring a new generation to protect our natural world echoes the foundation’s commitment to the advancement of environmental protection.

"It is a shining example of the role that young people can play in protecting our planet for future generations."

RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond is now open seven days a week from 10am-4pm, with car parking facilities, a nature hub, and easy-access paths.

Guided walks take place every weekend, and regular special events happen throughout the year, such as the healing plants walk and bat event in early August.

For more information, visit www.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond or call 01389 830670.