An all-timber building, described as an “icon” of the Scottish forest industries, has been built at Pitlochry and named after famous botanical collector David Douglas.
The pavilion, forming the central feature within the new Scottish Plant Collectors Garden, was designed to promote the sustainable use of timber by demonstrating how it can be imaginatively used in design and construction.
Alan Bloomfield, chairman of the Forest Industries Development Council, said the pavilion would become an icon, adding: “It represents all that is best about timber – local availability, versatility in design, sustainability in terms of resources and a quality of finish that will leave a lasting impression on all who see and use it.”
The pavilion will serve as an interpretation centre for the visiting public, explaining the natural links between forest recreation and the timber industry.
It was built with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund, Scottish Enterprise, BSW Timber Ltd and others.
Gaia Architects designed the structure and Carpenter Oak and Woodland Company Ltd constructed it, using timber grown and milled in Scotland.
The David Douglas pavilion was named after the botanist who brought back more than 200 plant species from his overseas travels, including sikta spruce which now forms the backbone of Scotland’s forest industry.
