SINCE BEING re-introduced into the Dumfries and Galloway area 16 years ago, red kites have contributed more than £8.2 million to the local economy, the RSPB has claimed.

The birds were re-introduced just north of Castle Douglas, in 2001, creating a population that is now on show via the Galloway Kite Trail around Loch Ken, a partnership project between RSPB, the Forestry Commission Scotland and Bellymack Hill Farm.

Reporting on the progress of the project, the RSPB said that, between 2004 and 2015, the trail attracted over 100,000 visitors to the area, and £8.2 million of local spending was noted as coming directly from people who came for the main purpose of visiting the red kite trail. Also, as of 2015, the trail's employment figure rose from 19 to 21.

RSPB Scotland community liaison officer, Calum Murray, said: “The re-introduction of red kites has been a massive conservation success story and we now have over 100 pairs breeding in Dumfries and Galloway, but this survey clearly demonstrates how nature can bring economic benefits to areas as well.

“Tourists are visiting the Galloway Kite Trail from all over the UK and many are coming here especially to see our amazing red kites. The report also shows the fantastic support that is being given to the trail by local businesses and many of our visitors are now making repeat trips!”

Overall, visitors to the Galloway Kite Trail had spent an estimated £54.6 million in the region, he added.

VisitScotland regional director, Doug Wilson, said: “The Galloway Kite Trail has been a fabulous success story, in many ways. As an ambitious nature conservation project, it has achieved outstanding results in terms of increasing red kite numbers, educating the public about these spectacular birds of prey and raising awareness of RSPB Scotland’s superb efforts to protect them and their habitat and encourage breeding.

“The Kite Trail has also become an outstanding asset in Dumfries and Galloway’s incredible portfolio of outdoors activity attractions, giving visitors another great reason to come to the beautiful Galloway Forest Park and explore the stunning Loch Ken area," said Mr Wilson.

"Having attracted well over 100,000 visitors, the trail has delivered significant benefits to tourism within the region and the impact on our local economy has been tremendous.”