Red kites boost for Scottish business

Red kites were reintroduced into Galloway in 2001 and have provided a huge boost for the local economy.

November 2011. Major local economic benefits have been brought to Dumfries and Galloway since the launch of a wildlife project in 2003, a new report has found.

Visitors to the Galloway kite trail, which was created by a partnership led by RSPB Scotland, have spent at least £21m in the region since 2004, with over £2.6 million spent by people who came specifically to see the kites. The project has also supported, on average, the equivalent of 13 full-time jobs a year, with an estimated 19 such jobs supported in 2009.

Circular tour by car or by bike
The trail, which is a self-guided tour circling Loch Ken near Castle Douglas, promotes a carefully laid out set of destinations for visitors, including red kite viewing sites, activities and local businesses.

One such business is the CatStrand Arts and Visitor Centre in New Galloway. Manager Rachel Thompson, said: "We've been open for three years, and we've had links with the Galloway Kite Trail that whole time. I think it's quite a unique thing, and we definitely get visitors coming in to use our facilities from the trail, which helps us and the village. It's certainly had an impact, and I think it's brought the businesses on the trail together. Everyone involved knows that the link is a positive one."

Reintroduction of Red kites into Galloway
The Galloway Red kite trail was set up following the successful re-introduction of red kites into Galloway after an absence of 130 years. These graceful birds were persecuted to extinction in Scotland in the 19th century but have now made a come back, with the estimated local population now standing at over 270.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "I'm delighted to hear about the success of the Galloway Kite Trail and I'm sure that everyone who takes the tour is impressed by the beautiful birds and landscape.

"This is another example of the valuable contribution that wildlife-based tourism makes to the Scottish economy and it underlines the importance of looking after and enhancing our natural environment."

Chris Rollie, RSPB Scotland area manager for Dumfries and Galloway, said: "The community have really embraced the red kites since the re-introduction started in 2001, and many local volunteers have been heavily involved along the way. Now, as well as being able to enjoy seeing the kites in their day to day lives, people here know that the wildlife tourism being generated is bringing a tangible benefit to local businesses.

"It's a success story, both for the birds and for the people of Galloway, and it's very satisfying to see the hard work of so many people really paying off."

The Galloway Kite Trail was developed as a partnership project between RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, local farmers and tourist businesses. It received initial funding support from Scottish Natural Heritage, VisitScotland, and Leader+. Its further development has been funded through Sulwath Connections, a partnership part funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Scottish Natural Heritage.