Wild land conservation charity the John Muir Trust is opening a new visitor centre in Pitlochry next week. It showcases Scotland's best landscapes with a mixture of photos, film and interactive displays.

'Wild Space', part of the Trust's newly refurbished HQ, gets its official opening by landscape photographer Colin Prior on Monday 22nd April.

The new centre is located on the main street in Pitlochry two minutes' walk from the rail station and main car parks.

It will feature: an art gallery; images by some top landscape and wildlife photographers; a film offering 'tantalising glimpses' into the 'untamed heart' of wild Scotland; audio journeys to island, peninsula, mountain and seaboard; interactive and educational displays about the ecology of Scotland's wild land.

The opening ceremony will also be attended by a range of other respected figures from the fields of conservation, mountaineering and tourism, including: Cameron McNeish; Maude Tiso, founder of Scotland's outdoor retail behemoth; Chairman of VisitScotland, Mike Cantlay; Director of the Wild Land Research Institute, Steve Carver; and Operations Director of Scottish Natural Heritage, Andrew Batchell.

Colin Prior, who has spent decades photographing the country's natural landscapes, said:

'All my life I've loved mountains, wild places and the great outdoors so I'm delighted to be part of this new visitor centre dedicated to the wild side of Scotland.'

'For those who cannot personally experience the exhilaration of conquering our high peaks or hiking through rugged and remote terrain, the Wild Space will offer an insight into the wonderful world of wild, elemental nature and help people realise how important our wild places are.'

'I congratulate the John Muir Trust for having the imagination and determination to create such a space, and I'm honoured to be opening the Wild Space.'

Mike Cantlay of VisitScotland added:

'In this Year of Natural Scotland, which also coincides with John Muir's 175th anniversary, I'm delighted to welcome the launch of this innovative visitor centre. The Wild Space will be an important addition to Highland Perthshire's repertoire of quality tourist attractions.'

'By showcasing Scotland's most fabulous wild places, and their associated wildlife, the new visitor centre can also help entice people to visit some of our more remote areas, which is good news for businesses that are a bit more off the beaten track.'

'We look forward to working with the John Muir Trust to make the most of this great new facility in picturesque Pitlochry.'

Wild Space has been funded by donations from the Reece Foundation, the People's Postcode Lottery, the Gannochy Trust and the Robertson Trust.