'Terrible' signs on historic Loch Ness building set to be replaced
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New signs are set to be installed on a historic building near Loch Ness as part of a £1.5 million revamp.
A planning application has been lodged to replace the signs at the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre – previously the old Drumnadrochit Hotel – which was taken over by Continuum Attractions earlier this year.
Popular attraction gets £1.5m investment in takeover
The visitor attraction is due to reopen this spring following a major refurbishment and the new owners say new signage is a key element.
A statement submitted in support of the application says: "Continuum is keen to ensure we work well with the Highlands Planning Department to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution to update the building and site signage in keeping with the beautiful historic building, exposing the stonework and historic detail as much as possible, whilst still enabling the attraction to stand out to tourists and passers-by as a visitor attraction.
"Updating the signage on the historic old Drumnadrochit Hotel building is a key element to the refurbishment and the new refreshed brand.
"The new signage will signal to tourists visiting the region that this is a quality attraction, something that has been positively welcomed by all."
Highland Council building conservation planner Norman Brockie has indicated the signs should be replaced on the B-listed building.
"The existing signage, it must be said, is terrible – and adversely affects the character of the listed building," he stated. "Accordingly, we will welcome efforts to apply more sensitively designed signage.
"Any signage must be appropriate to the architectural quality and proportions of the listed building."
He said a proposed large square sign was over-scaled and obscured the finest element of carved stonework on the building and would not be supported.
Another option of a horizontal sign below the carved-plaque with a round sign above could be supported.
Continuum previously helped transform the award-winning Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh into a five-star experience, and also works with ITV to provide Coronation Street and Emmerdale tours.
It says the transformation of the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre will engage, entertain and inform guests, focusing on telling the globally-renowned story behind the legend of the loch, exploring the myths, alongside the scientific research, that has turned Nessie into one of Scotland’s most famous brand icons.
