Kinross Beavers cut the ribbon on new hide at Loch Leven NNR

The new Phoenix Hide at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve (NNR) was unveiled on Friday after it was rebuilt in the wake of being burnt down.

On hand to see the wooden bird observation station officially opened was NatureScot chair Mike Cantlay and the Kinross Beavers.

The hide - previously known as Mill Hide and winner of design awards - is at Loch Leven NNR near Kinross. In February 2021 it caught fire and reserve staff, locals and visitors alike were devastated when it burnt down.

Encouraged by many offers of support from the community, NatureScot launched an appeal to help fund the replacement, which raised almost £30,000.

One of the first groups to help bring in money to rebuild it was the 1st Kinross Beavers. They did a sponsored walk and donated £500.

They were rewarded by being called in to cut the ribbon on Friday, May 6, to officially open the new Phoenix Hide, which has risen from the ashes.

The rebuilding work began in March.

NatureScot’s Neil Mitchell, the reserve manager who oversaw the reconstruction, said: “When the Mill Hide was destroyed last year we were all absolutely devastated.

Just the shell was left when flames engulfed the Mill Hide in February 2021 (Neil Mitchell)

“After the fire, what really came through was what a much-loved place it was for people near and far to come and connect with nature.

“We were determined to do all that we could to rebuild the hide and can’t express how grateful we are to the local community, businesses and visitors who contributed so generously to making it happen.

A fantastic view across Loch Leven NNR awaits bird watchers who chance upon the new Phoenix Hide (Lorne Gill)

“Celebrating our newly finished Phoenix Hide is an opportunity to thank local business and the community for their amazing support which has highlighted the real value of Loch Leven to both the Kinross community and to visitors near and far.

“The new building looks wonderful and I’m sure staff and locals alike are all looking forward to having this special place back again.

“If you’re visiting in the next few months, you can look out for lots of fluffy young ducklings snacking on the rich insect and plant life of the loch, mute swans raising their cygnets, while herons, kingfishers and osprey can all be seen fishing too.”