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Crowdfunding campaign to rebuild fire-hit roundhouse above Loch Ness gathers pace


By Val Sweeney

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The roundhouse in Abriachan Forest was destroyed by fire.
The roundhouse in Abriachan Forest was destroyed by fire.

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has already raised more than £2100 to rebuild a roundhouse above Loch Ness after it was destroyed by fire at the weekend.

The timber and thatched landmark structure in the community-owned forest at Abriachan went up in a blaze thought to have been caused by a carelessly-discarded cigarette.

The Abriachan Forest Trust, a charity and social enterprise, is now hoping to raise £10,750 to rebuild the roundhouse, first created as a youth group project 21 years ago and used by the trust's forest school.

Suzann Barr, the trust's learning co-ordinator, described it as an "iconic feature" at Abriachan.

"We are gutted it has been destroyed," she said.

"But we are thankful no one was hurt. We are thankful the fire didn't spread.

"We are also very grateful to the Drumnadrochit fire fighters who were there in 15 minutes."

A crew from Inverness also attended the scene after the alarm was raised on Saturday afternoon.

Ms Barr said that several visitors had reported seeing someone smoking in the roundhouse before the fire.

She said it was a warning to the public of the need to be careful.

"It was burnt to the ground," she said. "It went up like a torch."

The roundhouse has been used as a base for a wide range of activities including teaching children, for storytelling sessions, by community groups and for stargazing events.

Ms Barr said it was a loss as the organisation was getting ready to start up again as coronavirus restrictions ease, but the trust is determined it will be rebuilt.

People have conveyed their sadness via messages on social media.

Duncan Macpherson said: "Terrible news! I was only there a couple of days ago... hadn't visited before. Beautiful place. Hope they managed to save as much as possible."

Sara Ramsey reflected: "Really sad something so lovely has been lost along with so many hours of beautiful workmanship."

Another said: "I've been lucky to have been involved (through work) on various projects over some years at Abriachan Forest Trust and thoroughly enjoyed it as did the people I was with. I wish you all well and glad no one injured."

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/abriachan-forest

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