Dogs have a new place to run, explore and tackle a few obstacles at Culloden, with a secure exercise and agility park now open beside the famous Highland visitor attraction.

Culloden Visitor Centre has created the new 8,500 square metre enclosed area to give dogs and their owners a private space to exercise while enjoying the surrounding Highland landscape.

The park includes a dedicated agility area with seesaws, weave poles and hoop jumps, with the equipment made by the Culloden Estates Team largely from reclaimed materials.

There is also a seating area for owners and water bowls for thirsty dogs after their adventures.

Private one hour sessions are available between 9am and 4pm, seven days a week, with bookings allowing up to four dogs to use the park at a time.

Sessions are free for National Trust for Scotland members, while non members pay £5, with car parking included in the price.

The private booking system should make the park particularly useful for owners looking for somewhere secure where their dogs can exercise without sharing the space with other groups.

Gail Cleaver, the National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager for Culloden, said:

“We are delighted to open our new dog agility park. It gives dog owners a new way to enjoy Culloden, with eco-friendly agility equipment in a completely private space. We are especially proud that Culloden’s Estates Team made all the equipment, mainly from reclaimed materials.

“Culloden Moor is already popular with many local dog walkers, and Culloden is a dog-friendly destination. The new park offers them an additional secure space to exercise their dogs. After using the park, we hope members and visitors will stop at our dog-friendly café or walk across the battlefield. All booking income directly supports the conservation of Culloden Battlefield for future generations. We thank our members for supporting our charity and helping us protect this historically significant place.”

Culloden is already a familiar destination for local dog walkers, and the new facility adds another option without changing the wider appeal of walking across the surrounding landscape.

The combination of a large enclosed area and private sessions also gives owners the freedom to let their dogs exercise in surroundings where they can concentrate on their own animals.

For visitors coming from further afield, the park can be combined with a visit to Culloden Battlefield and the dog friendly cafe at the visitor centre.

All income raised through bookings will go towards the National Trust for Scotland’s work conserving Culloden Battlefield.

Sessions at the new Culloden dog exercise park can be booked online through Eventbrite