THE 30th anniversary of Greenock Cut Visitor Centre is being celebrated.
The popular attraction within Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park re-opened on 8 December 1994.
The original visitor centre dates to the 1970s but burned down in 1992. It had to be completely rebuilt and the current building opened two years later.
Three decades on, it is as popular as ever with people of all ages, including thousands of school children who take part in various activities with the help of the park rangers.
Originally known as Cornalees and still called that to this day by many locals, the centre was renamed Greenock Cut Visitor Centre in 2010 to better reflect its location at the head of the Greenock Cut aqueduct.
It is one of two Inverclyde council-managed sites, along with Lunderston Bay, that make up part of the greater Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
Inverclyde Council took over direct responsibility for these locations in 2021 and has invested more than £540,000 across them to improve the visitor experience.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “For generations, people have been enjoying walks and days out up The Cut, or Cornalees as many still know it as, and it is held in such high regard by visitors from near and far.
“We recognise the importance of Greenock Cut Visitor Centre and Lunderston Bay as key Inverclyde attractions and that’s why we’ve invested so much in the facilities in the past three years to improve the experience for everyone.
“The rangers also do a fantastic job maintaining and championing both Cornalees and Lunderston Bay and welcome thousands of schoolchildren along each year on top of the thousands more who visit for walks or to enjoy nature-themed events and activities, such as wreath-making at this time of year.
“That’s why 30 years on from when the current centre opened, Cornalees is still a Cut above and going strong and here’s to many more successful years to come.”
Mike Holcombe, senior park ranger, said: “Whether you’re interested in hiking, history, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre is a must-visit destination in Inverclyde.”
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, with senior park ranger Mike Holcombe at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre with the plaque from the opening of the centre in 1994.
