Plans for a viewing tower at the world-famous Inverewe Gardens have been grounded by rocketing costs.
A 65ft observation tower was due to be installed below the High Viewpoint at the Wester Ross attraction, to provide panoramic views of Loch Ewe and beyond.
However, further investigations of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS)-owned site have found ground conditions to be unsuitable for the tower’s foundations.
Officials have confirmed the additional works in preparation for the striking structure would far exceed their original £350,000 budget, making it unfeasible to continue without more fundraising.
A spokesman for the National Trust for Scotland said: “It’s with great regret we have been forced to halt further progress for the time being with our plans for a viewing tower at Inverewe Garden.
“Although planning permission was in place, subsequent investigations revealed ground conditions and other factors that would have taken project well beyond the available charitable funds.”
He added: “This does not diminish our commitment to the garden, which remains one of the most important horticultural sites in the British Isles.”
The development comes six months after Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal gave her seal of approval for the ambitious project during a visit to the historical gardens in July.
During her brief visit, Princess Anne unveiled a foundation stone on the grounds in celebration of the milestone project.
Additional ground investigations were carried out in advance of the charities ‘Garden on the Edge Project’ which will open an unexplored area of the gardens through imaginative planting and landscaping.
The project is inspired by Osgood Mackenzie’s Herculean efforts to create a shelterbelt to protect the rest of the garden along with his experimental vision.
The only avenue open to the NTS now is to fund the project through donations.
Highland councillor Ian Cockburn said: “The viewing tower would have been a great addition to the gardens and it a pity that they have hit problems.
“Let’s hope they can raise the money in the future, however I would recommend the gardens to everyone as there is plenty to see and do without the tower which would have been the cherry on top.”
