Corrieshalloch plans progress to planning

Our exciting plans to create a gateway to nature at Corrieshalloch Gorge have now been submitted for planning approval by the Highland Council.

We plan to create sensitively designed new visitor facilities on the site of the historical suspension bridge, including toilets, Wi-Fi, a blue loo for camper vans, improved parking facilities and paths, wayfinding and interpretation around the National Nature Reserve, enabling visitors to enjoy an enhanced experience.

The project will also help with the safe and sustainable management of visitors to the reserve, ensuring that Corrieshalloch’s built and natural heritage is well-cared for, now and in the future.

With its impressive scenery, Corrieshalloch Gorge has seen an increase in visitor numbers since 2012, to more than 100,000 annually.

Clea Warner, General Manager for the National Trust for Scotland in the Highlands and Islands said: ‘After a really helpful online session with the local community in March, we’re now taking another important step in this project and submitting our plans formally to Highland Council.

‘This is a significant project for the area which will enhance facilities for the community and visitors, and help ensure that Corrieshalloch Gorge, a place that we all love, gets the protection it needs.’

The £3.1 million project has secured £1,297,071 funding from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund. It’s part of a new, almost £9 million Scottish programme of projects to invest in the Highlands and Islands, to provide more and better quality opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural and cultural heritage assets. The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund is led by NatureScot and is part-funded through the European Development Fund.

The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund will encourage people to visit some of the more remote and rural areas, and create and sustain jobs, businesses and services in local communities. The purpose of the fund is to promote and develop the outstanding natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands and Islands in a way that conserves and protects them.

Led by Catriona Hill, Oberlanders Architects were appointed, along with David Narro (Civil & Structural Engineers), Rybka (Mechanical and Electrical Engineers) and Horner & Maclennan (Landscape Architects) to provide design team services for the Corrieshalloch Gorge Visitor Centre project. Gardiner Theobald are providing Project Management and Quantity Surveying services.

Oberlanders chose their Highlands and Islands’ design team based on excellent previous working relationships and experience of similar projects within rural locations. Oberlanders have extensive experience that will influence their approach on this project, including the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre (near Lairg), the North Pier Harbour Building (Oban), Scourie Rocks Geotechnical Centre and Strathnaver.