The Galloway Kite Trail in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland has brought a £21m economic boost to the area.

Visitors to the Galloway Kite Trail, which was created by a partnership led by RSPB Scotland, have spent a minimum of £21m in the region since 2004, with over £2.6m spent by people who came specifically to see the kites.

The project has also supported, on average, the equivalent of 13 full-time jobs a year, with an estimated 19 such jobs supported in 2009.

The Galloway Kite Trail was set up following the successful re-introduction of red kites into Galloway after an absence of 130 years. The birds were persecuted to extinction in Scotland in the 19th century but have now made a comeback, with the estimated local population now standing at over 270.

Chris Rollie, RSPB Scotland area manager for Dumfries and Galloway, said: "The community have really embraced the red kites since the reintroduction started in 2001, and many local volunteers have been heavily involved along the way.

"Now, as well as being able to enjoy seeing the kites in their day to day lives, people here know that the wildlife tourism being generated is bringing a tangible benefit to local businesses."