New Lanark has announced it is to introduce a new parking charge to support the renowned visitor attraction.
The restored 18th Century mill village, one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland, is hoping that a parking fee will help safeguard its future.
Visitors to the main car park will now pay £3 for a day-long stay, while annual permits will be available for £40.
The arrangements will come into force towards the end of this month and will be managed by an outside company using automatic number plate recognition.
Iain MacKenzie, chief executive of the New Lanark Trust, said: “Introducing the parking charge is necessary to help safeguard the future of the site.
"The money raised will help to fund ongoing maintenance and it will also give us the means to continue to develop our reputation as a world-renowned tourist attraction, one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value.
“New Lanark attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year and that footfall benefits the local and wider economies. We have to take this measure in order to allow us to take the site forward.”
The parking charges will not affect residents, guests at the New Lanark Hotel, or users of the gym. Access to the New Lanark site, play park and woodland walks remain free.
Andy Cuthbertson, New Lanark’s heritage and engagement manager, said: “We’re fully open for the first time in two years and looking forward to an exciting summer as we get back to normal.
"The pandemic has obviously hit everyone hard and New Lanark is no different. The money raised from the car parking charges is vital in allowing us to put on a full programme and make the very best of our wonderful assets.”
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