by Mikko on Mon 28 Sep 2009 18:47 BST
Local residents learned this week that a cruiser company is planning to develop land on the north side of Loch Ness into a million pound harbour complex.
Located at Brackla, the scheme will provide parking and services for punters wishing to take a cruise to various places around the loch including Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus. There are serious concerns about traffic entering and leaving the new site from the dangerous high speed A82 carriageway (which is in shocking condition and already recognised as one of the most deadly roads in Scotland). Indeed, several people have recently died near to the proposed development.
On the plus side the scheme promises jobs and the developers have pledged to hold public meetings to seek local views and feelings about the best way to proceed. They have also said that expensive solutions such as a pedestrian underpass will be considered to enhance visitor and staff safety and the amenity of the site.
It’s early days with no firm planning application yet lodged at Highland Council and we don’t know what Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, or local residents and businesses think about this new venture – but it will be interesting to see how things proceed.