The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Two community asset transfers will deliver staycationer services
Two more north communities will be able to play their part in delivering services for staycationers after Highland Council approved community asset transfers at Tougal in Morar and at Stac Pollaidh.
The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (Oats) will, for £1 a year, lease the Stac Pollaidh car park for 25 years. The area had become a focus for visitors, causing damage, disruption and fouling.
The move will enable the charity to improve visitor access to the dramatic mountain with parking for at least 65 vehicles and plans for the development of toilets.
Signage, interpretation boards, a viewing point and maintenance of the adjoining hill path are also part of the plan.
Community asset transfers are normally made only to community groups but the council has made an exception for Oats as its focus is on community benefit.
Dougie Baird, chief executive of Oats, said: “The rapid growth in visitors to Stac Pollaidh has overwhelmed the existing parking provision on an almost daily basis throughout the high tourist season.”
Mr Baird said Oats has been working with the community, the landowner and Highland Council to find a solution.
“We agreed to seek long-term tenancy of the land required to build a larger car park, toilet facilities, and improved access around the site.
“Once complete this facility will provide local employment, and a sustainable source of income through car park charges to provide for the scheme, renovation of the hill path and other access projects.”
In Tougal, the Road to the Isles Facilities Group has been given the nod to take over the lease of the car park and toilets for free in a community bid to provide more tourist facilities.
But as the nod was given, the group posted to say there are issues with the site in question, and they are looking for new opportunities to develop toilet facilities and increased parking.
They secured £100,000 in coastal communities funding, and have advanced plans to tackle the pressures of large numbers of visitors.