The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Scotland’s longest zip-wire could be loch’s tourist trap
Plans to build 1,600-yard outdoor attraction could create 50 jobs
DEVELOPERS have revealed ambitious multi-million-pound plans for Scotland’s longest zip-wire tourist attraction – claiming it could create 50 jobs in the Highlands.
The £3.5 million attraction on the shores of Loch Leven at Kinlochleven will play home to Scotland’s longest zip-wire stretching for more than 1,600 yards of scenic views.
Outdoor adventurers will have access to two separate ziplines as well as associated launch and landing platforms on both sides of the loch.
Developers have pledged the attraction will help bring footfall and job opportunities into the Lochaber village.
Stephen Connelly, the driving force behind the venture, said: “The large part of wanting to push this through was obviously I became aware once I moved into the village that there weren’t an awful lot of jobs around here to keep young people in the village. One of the key drivers to do it was it brings relatively decent paid jobs to the area.”
The venture is estimated to generate around 35 full-time positions as well as up to 15 seasonal jobs for local residents.
Fraser Coupland, chief executive of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic.”
Dozens of jobs are to be created in Lochaber as plans for an elaborate zip-wire attraction are unveiled.
The sky-high attraction will be located on the banks of Loch Leven at Kinlochleven on land owned and leased by Jahama Highland Estates.
The attraction – estimated to cost in the region of £3.5 million to construct – will consist of two zip lines, launch and landing platforms on each side of the loch and a container-style reception building, as well as two
“We are looking to donate part of the turnover to the village”
floating jetties to facilitate the customers’ transfer. The longest of the two zip-wires on offer will span approximately 1,619 yards – becoming the longest of its kind in Scotland – alongside the shorter of the two at 1,148 yards.
The venture is estimated to generate up to 50 jobs for the local community, with 35 full-time jobs as well as 10 to 15 seasonal positions.
Stephen Connelly, mastermind behind the development, said he brought it forward as a way to sustain income and employment opportunities for the village.
He said: “We want to help support the village as well, so we always set ourselves up as being in a partnership with Kinlochleven.
“We are looking at donating part of the turnover to the village so that we can help support all the charities and the organisations.
“We never saw ourselves as a company set up separate from the village; we are a company that’s part of the village.” A full planning application showing artist’s impressions has now been lodged in Highland Council’s planning system.
Plans have also been outlined to convert the village’s former smelter site – which closed in 2000 – into a visitors car park alongside a welcome cabin in an effort to create greater footfall and business for retailers.
Developers are in the throes of looking for private investors to help meet the costs of the elaborate venture.
Fraser Coupland, chief executive of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic. It’s another visitor attraction for the local area and further reinforces the destination as the adventure capital of the UK.”