A row has broken out over a plan for a zip wire tourist attraction on a Highland estate.
A petition against a planning application for zip wires from high in the Mamore mountains onto a floating pontoons on the banks of Loch Leven in the village of Kinlochleven, has seen more than 600 people raise an objection.
It had been hoped the £3.5million project would bring people and business to the village, while creating 35-40 jobs – but objectors say the infrastructure simply does not exist for the zip wire.
The longest of the two 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.
Kinlochleven Zip Wire Opposition Group founder member Sophie Leatherbarrow, told the Press and Journal, that while the community wanted to see development in the village, it had to be the right project.
Speaking on behalf of a number of the protesters, she said: “The zip wire plan is tipping over the brink for large scale development, and the infrastructure just does not exist in the village for it.
“We want to find a thoughtful way forward for Kinlochleven, but this simply isn’t it. We live in a national scenic area – and the zip wire plan doesn’t take that into account.
“There has been a lack of consultation and lack of information about the plan. Lots of consultations that should have taken place prior to the application being submitted simply have not happened.”
Developer Stephen Connelly, who also lives in Kinlochleven said he was keen to speak to as many people as possible about the project, and was happy to meet with the opposition group to discuss potential misinformation in the community.
Mr Connelly said: “All I am trying to do is create a great business in the heart of Kinlochleven.
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“All the way through I have tried to be as factual and honest as I can. I am starting to see lots of information that may not be correct so I want to make sure people know I have an open door policy.
“I am happy to answer any questions about the zip wire and what we actually plan to do.
“We have only ever planned this as an ecologically light touch project that will aid the regeneration of the village. We hope the business will give people a reason to live and work here.”
The plan is due to be discussed at Kinlochleven Community Council on July 24.
Sign the petition
An online petition has been created in objection to the zip wire’s installation. It argues that Kinlochleven is simply the wrong place for a theme park style development and asks people to support it’s cause and help preserve Scotland’s world class landscape for future generations.