M&D's green light to expand

The variation to the theme park’s existing lease includes plans for an all-weather dome and a new ride, as well as the addition of 37 rooms to The Alona Hotel, including a spa and treatment room area.

An additional events space would be created to the north and east of the park that could also attract the likes of car rallies, steam fairs and Highland Games.

M&D’s director Matthew Taylor said: “We are delighted that our plans have been approved. Our vision to extend includes an investment of around £3 million which will include upgrades to The Alona Hotel, creating a bespoke events area, an all-weather dome as well as a new ride and further landscaping to ensure that our plans are in keeping with the surrounding Strathclyde Park.

“In recent years we have seen more and more visitors coming from Northern Ireland and the North of England and we are confident that our plans will attract visitors from even further afield.

“As one of Lanarkshire’s biggest employers, our plans would also include creating an additional 90 full and part-time permanent jobs helping to boost the local economy even further.

“We hope to start work early next year.”