A Highland tourist attraction once owned by former Harrods boss Mohammed Al Fayed has suddenly closed its doors.
But the owners of the Falls of Shin Visitor Attraction have promised it will reopen soon.
The centre was bought by the community from the tycoon and re-opened in May last year.
Inspired by the shape of a salmon, the attraction was once known as the Harrods of the North. It was destroyed by fire five years ago and rebuilt.
It suddenly closed its doors again this week. A notice on the community group Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Facebook page said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances Falls of Shin cafe, gifts and toilets will be closed for the next few weeks.”
Fans of the attraction asked why and later yesterday a statement from the owners of the visitor attraction said: “Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused by the closure of the visitor attraction at Falls of Shin.
“The Trust have terminated the contract with the current operator. A new operator has been identified and will be commencing work at Falls of Shin within the next few weeks.”
They promised that an exciting new plan for the centre is underway.
A total of 20 jobs was lost after the fire in May 2013, but the centre re-opened after a £1.4million investment.
The community group led the replacement building project.
Designed in the shape of a salmon to celebrate the fish regularly seen leaping at the Falls, the new building has a cafe, shop, toilets and visitor centre.
An open trellis walkway, exhibition space and grassy plaza are used to host regular events with market stands providing an opportunity for local producers to showcase their products.
Following the fire, a working group was established comprising Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, Highland Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Balnagown Estate.
The new attraction was funded by a combination of Big Lottery Funding, £1.05million, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, £200,000, Highland Council, £100,000, and £30,000 from Lairg, Creich and Ardgay Community Council from their SSE Achany Wind Farm Community Fund.
