A suggestion that the national cycle route through the middle of the Highlands could be diverted away from the Kyle of Sutherland has raised alarm bells that local tourism could be affected.
Sustrans national cycle route 1 (NCR1), from Colchester to the Shetland Isles, traverses the inner Highlands on the A836 through the Kyle to the north coast.
Highland Council planners behind a recently launched strategy for Caithness and Sutherland’s town centres have suggested that NCR1 could be connected to Dornoch, sparking fears that areas like Bonar Bridge, Lairg , Rosehall and the Falls of Shin could be adversely affected.
The Kyle of Sutherland took an immediate hit after the opening of the Dornoch bridge in 1991, with many local tourism businesses and hotels winding up or left struggling.
The planners behind strategy document, now on highland Council’s website for public consultation, state: “An effort to connect the town to NCR1 would make the town more attractive to cyclists. Sustrans regularly review their network and select new routes as part of the process.
“An extension or alternative route is therefore a possibility; Tain has a link that branches from the main north-south route.
“Steps could be taken to improve cycle parking and storage facilities.
“Doing so would enhance the town’s reputation as a cycling destination.”
Maddy Norval, who manages Mac & Wild at the Falls of Shin, said Dornoch is already a destination with plenty of tourists and attractions.
She said: “We rely on passing trade and get a lot of cyclists.
“If cyclists were diverted to Dornoch they could end up going up the A9.
“Our road is much quieter.
“We have lots of facilities for cyclists here, and amazing nature along this road too like red squirrels and pine martens which they wouldn’t see on the A9.”
Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust’s manager David Watson said: “We don’t yet understand the full impact, but a potential issue has been flagged up.
“At the moment the NCR1 is the only thing actively promoting visitors to come to our area after the severe economic impact of the bridge.
“Carbisdale youth hostel, previously a big driver of people here, has now closed.
“We’ve no filling stations left.
“The economy is very fragile but it’s fragile across the whole of Sutherland which includes Dornoch.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “We are asking for comments on potential actions to improve the vitality and amenity of the main town centres in the area, Brora, Dornoch, Golspie, Thurso and Wick, which have been developed from the findings of the 2018 Town Centre Health Check.
“One of these suggestions is to make Dornoch more attractive to cyclists by exploring whether an extension to the National Cycle Network could be possible.”
