New Development at Loch Ness

It was claimed than when they were blasting for the road building in 1933 that Nessie was frequently seen. So when this new work starts will it bring out a spate of sightings? Let’s hope so. It could be very interesting.

Loch Ness harbour designs to come under public scrutiny Published: 09 February, 2010

DESIGNS featuring wood and glass and a structure resembling a modern-day broch are among the ideas which have been put forward for a new £2.3 million harbour at Loch Ness. Now, members of the public are being asked to give their views before the final decision is made on the project, first unveiled last year by Jacobite Cruises. The company wants to develop a new harbour, car park, reception and visitor facilities on a four-acre site at Brackla near to the Clansman Hotel on the loch's western shores.Following initial consultations with community groups, tourism professionals and other loch users, Jacobite briefed four Scottish design firms to present their ideas for the development.

Members of the public are now being invited to comment on the designs which can be seen on the project's website - www.jacobitediscovery.co.uk. The company expects to announce in the next two weeks which of the four firms - Mckenzie Strickland, Gareth Hoskins, Cameron Webster and ANTA - has been successful. A planning application is then expected to be submitted to Highland Council in the spring.The design for the new harbour and visitor facility by MSA Architects. Rod Michie, director at Jacobite, said the company hoped to create a tourism facility which enhanced the visitor experience for years to come. "We want local people to be proud of a facility that is iconic yet sympathetic to one of the best known and most beautiful tourism destinations in the world," he said. Jacobite Cruises, which attracts more than 100,000 customers annually on its Loch Ness tours, last year won a Thistle Award for Going the Extra Mile. Managing director Freda Newton also won the Scottish Council for Development and Industry Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship in September.

Source:http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/11618/Loch_Ness_harbour_designs_to_come_under_public_scrutiny.html