A new visitor attraction could be built at Loch Ness as part of efforts to try to boost tourism to the iconic site.
A feasibility study has already been carried out to draw up options for the project, which is being led by tourist body Visit Inverness Loch Ness.
Proposals suggested have included creating a new viewpoint at the loch, or a new platform at the Falls of Foyers.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) also hopes to progress plans to create a new “360 degree trail” around the loch by linking up paths on the south to the Great Glen Way on the north side.
It would measure 68 miles and offer “huge opportunities for events or spending a week’s walking holiday around Loch Ness”, according to VILN chief executive Graeme Ambrose.
In a report to councillors, Mr Ambrose said the feasibility study for the new attraction was carried out in March at a cost of £6,000.
It considered “the potential of a number of locations around Loch Ness as locations at which there could be some form of viewpoint or ‘other intervention in the landscape’ that will not only enhance the visitor experience of the area but also become a reason in its own right to visit the location”.
The report added: “Completed in July the report is presently being considered by VILN and public sector partners. Recommendations include investigating detailed options for an all ability overlook at the Falls of Foyers.”
Mr Ambrose told the Press and Journal: “Whilst Loch Ness is a huge attraction, this would be to have something else in the location to improve it, or the infrastructure around Loch Ness.
“It’s about providing other points around the loch where something could be done. ”
On creating a path around the entire loch, the report said that a “large funding application” to the SSE Sustainable Development Fund had been rejected earlier this year, but that VILN would re-apply later this year following the go-ahead for Stronlairg wind farm, which included a condition that SSE construct a trail up to the Glendoe works entrance.
