The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Loch attraction aiming to salvage rest of season
● Centre celebrating 40th anniversary, embracing ‘new normal’
AHighland attraction is coming out of hibernation to embrace a “new normal” as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is throwing open the doors to visitors from today after being forced to shut up shop for the first time in four decades.
The Drumnadrochit attraction, established by Ronnie Bremner in 1980, welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
The five-star VisitScotland attraction, on the A82 Inverness to Fort William trunk road, became one of thousands of premises to close in March, dealing a devastating blow to the industry’s busiest time of year.
With tourists beginning to head north for the first time in months Mr Bremner’s son, director Robbie, is aiming to salvage what is left of the season in an effort to recoup the losses dealt by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “Lockdown could not have come at a worse time. We closed on March 20, a week before the Easter break – the start of our peak trade period – and we’ve missed an entire third of 2020.
“Social distancing measures have all but eliminated private coach travel and the cruise season never got out the blocks at Invergordon this year, so we’ve missed out on thousands of shore excursions.
“Passenger numbers at Cromarty Firth were projected to reach over 180,000 in 2020, but operators such as Seabourn, Princess and Norwegian, will not be sailing until at least August or September – a huge blow to businesses such as ours which rely on the cruise industry.
“It’s important to maximise the next 12 weeks until the furlough scheme comes to a close at the end of October, and then tough it out until spring.”
Capacity inside the museum will be reduced to less than 50% of their normal intake due to the two-metre distancing rule. Additional measures have also been imposed including sanitising stations and protective screens, following a deep clean throughout the two-storey property.
Passengers on board
Girlguiding Moray’s surprise-filled Llama Fiesta-themed virtual camp has been hailed a roaring success.
More than 200 girls – including units in Dundee and Leicestershire – and their Loch Ness cruises, capturing the beauty of Urquhart Castle, will also be reduced from 12 passengers per hour to private sailings for up to eight members of the same family.
Mr Bremner added: even a girl from Cyprus, took part.
They enjoyed arts and crafts activities, science projects, llama-themed food and a salsa lesson from former Forres Guide Lauren Sedgley.
Author Simon James Green and Carole Christian and John Smith, from Auld Mill Alpacas in Alves, were among the special guests.
“Ironically, our visitors will be the winners. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition experience will be the same as it ever was – just with fewer customers.
“Make no mistake, these are still uncertain times.
Organisers were delighted with the feedback received from the event.
And Girlguiding Moray County Commissioner Alison Williams was “overwhelmed” by the support from the youngsters’ families.
She said: “We would normally have had two camps by now, unfortunately lockdown
“Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is opening because our staff and local businesses – restaurants, cafes, shops – rely on us.
“We feel it’s our moral obligation to try to salvage something. Will it work? Who knows.” meantwehadtochange our plans.
“I personally was overwhelmed by the support of the girls’ families with their creativity and innovation to help the girls achieve all the activities on offer – which were aimed at making sure, during lockdown, all girls could be included by utilising what they had at home.”