More than a dozen jobs will be created if an ambitious £1 million project to build a garden centre, restaurant and several visitor attractions in Lochaber gets off the ground.
A planning application in principle has been submitted to Highland Council to build the complex on a site at Achnabobane outside Spean Bridge.
It is estimated that more than 12 full-time equivalent year-round jobs will be needed for the different aspects of the business if the proposal is given the green light.
Ross MacGregor, whose family own the land surrounding the site, is masterminding the project which also aims to broaden visitor activities already in place.
He said: “Back in 2001 we established trout lochs here as well as a deer centre, so we hope to expand these which will take the project to a greater level.
“As well as deer, we have rare breed sheep, so we want to establish a petting zoo, a base for fishing, nature trails, a children’s play area and a cycle track. There is also an existing Christmas tree business.
“The garden centre and restaurant will showcase produce from the local area as well as from elsewhere in the Highlands.”
Mr MacGregor, who has recently returned to live in the area after working as a stockbroker in London, added: “The whole project will cost well over £1 million. It’s very exciting as a minimum of 12 jobs will be created and I’m sure it will be a great attraction for both visitors and local people as well.”
The single-storey complex planned at Achnabobane would consist of around 11,000 square feet of floor space. There would also be a courtyard for garden centre display purposes.
It is hoped that the facility, which will be situated near the busy A82 to Inverness, would attract between 40,000-50,000 visitors annually when it is up and running. The high season is expected to be between April and October, but the complex would remain open throughout the year.
John Fotheringham, chairman of Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry community council, said: “This application came in too late for us to discuss it at our last meeting before the summer break.
“The site is on the A82, so there are obviously safety concerns. There would need to be a considerable amount of work done on the junction with this busy road.
“We obviously want to look at the application properly, so we have written to the planning department at Highland Council to ask for extra time to consider it.”
