New overspill coach park plan for Drumnadrochit sparks local fears; plans lodged by Jacobite Cruises amid congestion at Urquhart Castle as tourists flock to Loch Ness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
FEARS have been raised over proposals to build a new coach park in a community close to the shores of Loch Ness.
Boat cruise operator Jacobite Cruises has lodged an application to create the overflow park next to the health centre in the heart of Drumnadrochit.
They say it will create space for 30 vehicles and help to tackle traffic congestion at Urquhart Castle.
But it has also emerged separate plans are being explored for a new transport hub involving electric shuttle buses to take locals and visitors along the busy A82 between the Clansman Hotel and the castle with stops at Drumnadrochit and also Dochgarroch, which supporters say would be more beneficial to local businesses.
The castle, run by Historic Environment Scotland, attracted a record 518,195 visitors last year leading to parking pressures and queuing traffic on the trunk road as well as reports of empty coaches parked in Drumnadrochit.
Jacobite Cruises plans to park its coaches on a 2.5 acre site it has agreed to lease for 15 years.
The application lodged with Highland Council states: “Jacobite Cruises deliver 150,000 passengers by cruise vessel to Urquhart Castle each year for onward pick-up by tour buses from the Urquhart Castle car park.
“This proposal provides a remote waiting option for such coaches who will be called from the village coach park to the castle when their passengers are ready for pick up and onward travel.”
But some argue local businesses would miss out as visitors would not go into the village.
Fraser Campbell, director of Drumnadrochit-based Cobbs catering and hospitality company, is involved in a potential venture with other organisations to enlarge the car park at the Clansman Hotel at Brackla – a departure point for Jacobite cruises – and develop a hop-on, hop-off bus service along the A82.
“We feel it is ideal with businesses, locals and the community getting something from it,” he said.
“People can either go via the water to the castle, or use the shuttle service which would also take you to Drumnadrochit. It would save people clogging up the road.”
He said with support, work could start next summer for introduction the following Easter.
“We feel 30 empty coaches sitting in the middle of Drumnadrochit is not good for the village,” he said.
David Fraser, chairman of Glen Urquhart Community Council, said it had yet to discuss the Jacobite proposal but acknowledged some locals were concerned it could set a precedent for further development in the area.
He wants to see organisations work together to implement a longer-term solution to traffic issues.
“There is an opportunity here for something positive,” he said.
Freda Newton, managing director of Loch Ness by Jacobite, said as the area’s popularity grew, her company was working closely with Historic Environment Scotland to identify a safe and sustainable solution to overcrowding at the castle car park.
The plans, including overspill parking, also improved Drumnadrochit’s capacity for cars and small coaches which were currently using laybys and causing blockages and could encourage higher-spending independent travellers to stay longer in the village she said.
She added: “Jacobite is fully committed, along with other local businesses, to supporting the longer term transport and travel initiatives that are currently being explored by the community council and we’ve recently agreed to part-fund a project manager to take forward these transport and travel initiatives to ensure they are beneficial for all.”
A spokeswoman for Historic Environment Scotland said it had been involved in discussions with key partners to look at options to improve facilities and minimise disruption.
