PLANS to establish a centre detailing the legend of Merlin at Beattock have taken a step forward as the project’s feasibility study has been completed.
The Arthur Trail Association this week announced that the feasibility study for the Merlin Experience, carried out over the past year, is now complete.
The £30,000 study delved into their vision of a multi-million pound Dark Age Centre at Beattock and Moffat, which will reveal the true story of the real man behind the Merlin legend, who is said to have lived and died locally in the sixth century.
It has identified a site at Beattock, to create an immersive hands-on experience using film and virtual reality to enhance a promenade through replica sixth century environments, with the hub being supported by satellite installations at archaeological sites to the north and south of the site
Unlike anything that has gone before, the association say it will be unique both in subject and in presentation.
Their proposal will be presented at the Scottish Parliament in April and it is estimated that it will create an annual visitor spend in the local area of over £20 million.
Robin Crichton, chairman of the Arthur Trail Association, is delighted that the project continues to gain traction and said: “This all represents a transformative opportunity. By blending innovation, education, and community engagement, it will create a flagship destination with far reaching economic and cultural benefits, firing international imagination and breathing new life into the local area.”
