Council to produce 2022 plan for Arisaig and Morar
Plans to protect Highland tourist hotspots, including beaches at Morar and Arisaig, are being drawn up.
The move was confirmed last week when it was announced the team of seven Highland Council access rangers will continue to patrol and carry out countryside, core path and visitor preparation work throughout winter.
During summer 2021, the rangers patrolled much of the council area and helped reduce the impact of thousands of visitors on the environment and communities. They welcomed and engaged with nearly 20,000 people, informed them about the area and services and stressed the importance of responsible behaviour.
They encountered 8,600 tents and 24,500 motorhomes and identified and removed the remains of 3,500 fires, 4,200 toileting sites and more than 2,000 bags of litter.
There has been extensive positive feedback from communities and visitors regarding the rangers’ work, with calls for the service to be continued in 2022.
Council members recognised the benefits the rangers provide and agreed to extend visitor management plan funding into 2022 by a oneoff investment of £1.5m. Consultations will be held with council services to determine specific funding allocations.
Funding allocated to the outdoor access team for the remainder of this financial year will allow five rangers to continue working until April 2022.
They will help access officers carry out countryside site and core path improvements. Details are to be confirmed, but paths in Fort William are likely to be included.
A further two access rangers will continue working until April 2022 thanks to other funding. One, in partnership with Visit Inverness Loch Ness and SSE, will continue to work in the Loch Ness area, and the other will help identify opportunities for biodiversity enhancements and community food growing on council-managed land.
Plans for hotspots, including Morar/Arisaig, Durness and Glen Brittle, will be produced in preparation for the 2022 season. Other maintenance work will likely take place at Ardvreck, Strathy, Duntelchaig, Duntulm and Gruinard, with other areas to be confirmed.