A plan to build a visitor centre in the protected area of a Highland glen are due to be discussed with the local community.
Proposals for a Glen Nevis-based visitor centre are part of a consultation taking place between the Nevis Partnership charity, planners and people who use the glen for recreation and tourism.
The Nevis Partnership announced this week that it has commissioned a consultancy team led by Open and Jura Consultants to help develop plans – including working towards securing permission for a building in Glen Nevis itself.
Fort William community councillor Trisha Jordan, who attends the Nevis Partnership Board, said: “Building on the recent success of the Nevis Landscape Partnership and working with our partners, The Nevis Partnership is currently exploring the feasibility of the Nevis Field Centre – a centre of excellence and inspiring flagship facility in the iconic Glen Nevis.
“The centre will provide a focal point for conservation and protection of Glen Nevis, bringing communities, organisations and businesses together to create connections and actions.
“The Field Centre aims to conserve, protect and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the Nevis area, create jobs, support partners.”
Nevis Partnership manager Lizzie Cooper said: “The Heritage Lottery Landscape Funding ends, successfully, at the end of March and we are exploring other avenues of funding for a ‘Legacy Project’ the Nevis Field Centre – sustainability for the future of the Nevis Partnership.
“Along with other funding applications we have in the last seven days commissioned Consultants ‘Open and Jura’ to undertake a feasibility study working toward an application to the Scottish Natural Heritage funding.
“Time has been extremely tight and we would be obliged if you could assist by attending a ‘drop in’ session and/or advising as many people as you think would be interested in attending a Drop-in Session.
“We are at the idea generation stage of the project and really keen to hear thoughts on how the field centre can create the most positive impact for the area.”
Consultation meetings are being held in the Nevis Centre on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. For further information Lizzie Cooper can be contacted on 01397 701088.
