THOUSANDS of people have visited Scotland’s newest woodland park since it opened full-time at the end of March.

Cuningar Loop, opposite the Athletes’ Village, is a 37-acre site which has been transformed into a nature haven for all the family.

The area, which is close to Parkhead, Dalmarnock and Rutherglen, was derelict for around 50 years and was rarely visited by the public as it was badly overgrown and suffered from litter and anti-social behaviour.

It has had several industrial uses over the last 200 years, from a water works to quarrying and mining to a landfill site.

However, the badly rundown area was taken over by the Forestry Commission and transformed into a new park where volunteers helped plant more than 15,000 trees.

Last year, the site was opened to the public on a number of weekends to allow them a sneak preview.

It finally opened seven days a week on March 25 and since then, more than 1,400 people have visited every week – despite the poor weather conditions.

Project manager Joneen Clark said people have reacted enthusiastically to the new attraction which is hoped will eventually attract 170,000 visitors a year.

She added: “We have had around 200 people a day at Cuningar Loop and the feedback has been positive and very good.

“Many people are saying it is a hidden gem which nobody knew was there. We recently opened a cafe on the site which has been well received.”

The Forestry Commission expects the number of visitors to soar as the weather improves and then again when the bridge linking the Athletes’ Village to the other side of the river in Rutherglen is finished in the autumn.

Ms Clark said: “We have planted 15,000 trees and a have a couple of hundred more still to go.

“They are starting to bud so the whole area is coming back to life and it will soon be in its full glory.

“However, there are already areas in the park where you cannot see any buildings so you forget you are anywhere near a city. That is what I think is so special about Cuningar Loop.

“There is something for everyone, from taking a gentle walk along the riverbank to being able to climb on boulders or ride bikes on the bike track.”