Tuesday 23 November 2010

The battle continues at Loch Ness


Monster battle is looming over rival Loch Ness tourism plans
Jacobite Discovery Project and existing attraction vie for approval
By mel fairhurst Published: 23/11/2010
Two businesses are going head to head in a monster battle for Loch Ness tourists.Highland Council’s planning committee will look at multimillion-pound plans for tourist centres on the banks of the most famous loch in the world.The plans include a £2.5million application for the Jacobite Discovery Project submitted by Jacobite Cruises and a £2million application from Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition at Drumnadrochit to develop its existing waterside facilities, 850 yards away beside the Clansman Hotel.Loch Ness cruise operator Jacobite Cruises announced plans in January for a new harbour, car park and visitor facilities on land each side of the loch-side A82 Inverness-Fort William road at Brackla. The venture promises to double the company’s 12-strong full-time Brackla workforce. It would cover 4.4 acres and incorporate 81 car parking spaces.Meanwhile, the family-run Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is seeking approval for enhanced access, retail and catering facilities and parking. The plans include the Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal canoe trail and promise to create up to 40 peak-season jobs. The site to be developed by the centre is currently leased to Jacobite Cruises, which has announced its intention to vacate it for its new development.

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