Loch Ness loop set to generate millions for economy
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A NEW long-distance walking loop around Loch Ness could trigger a major economic boost for the region, according to excited tourism leaders.
The LochNess360° trail was officially opened on Wednesday, enabling walkers to trek all the way around the world-famous body of water for the first time.
Graeme Ambrose, chief executive of VisitInvernessLochNess which is spearheading the project, said it was already attracting "substantial" interest.
"Today is just the beginning for the LochNess360°, but we know from feedback that there is already substantial interest from key European markets, particularly Germany," he said.
"This will create new opportunities for businesses and communities and we are confident it will deliver major economic benefit to the area in the long term. It will achieve this because it will attract visitors who may spend up to six to seven days completing the full circuit.
"VisitInvernessLochNess hope by spring 2019 to confidently go out to markets and promote it."
The idea for the South Loch Ness Trail was first mooted in 2009.
Completion of the final section marks the culmination of nine years of work to create the 80-mile trail.
Robbie Bremner, managing director of the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, was really excited about the venture.
He said: "When the Great Glen Way opened originally it was obviously a key destination route for all those adventurous people wanting to tick that box and say they’d done it and then over the years, those numbers have become a bit steadier. What we are now going to get are all those people coming back and thinking ‘we’ve got to do the whole thing now’."
His views were echoed by David Richardson, development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (Highlands and Islands), who said: "The South Loch Ness Trail has been many years in the making, but the wait was well worth it.
"Linking it to the Great Glen Way to create a circular walk around one of the world’s most famous lakes – a true Scottish icon – is inspired, and there is no doubt that clever marketing by VisitInvernessLochNess and local businesses will make it a real winner.
"It is long enough to appeal to seasoned long-distance walkers without putting the less fit and able off, and it will also give those walking up or down the Great Glen from Fort William to Inverness an alternative and very enjoyable option."
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael said: "Highland Council has supported the development of the South Loch Ness Trail by VisitInvernessLochNess since the idea was first suggested back in 2009, in recognition of the economic impact that it could bring to the area. We are therefore delighted that this last major section of the trail has now been completed, enabling users to walk/cycle almost completely off road between Inverness and Fort Augustus."
Dick Beach, the owner of Fiddler’s Restaurant in Drumnadrochit, said: "It’s fantastic to see the South Loch Ness Trail completed, but even more exciting is the fact that this now enables VisitInvernessLochNess to take forward the marketing and promotion of a LochNess360° trail that is the icing on the cake.
"I am sure that over the coming years this will prove to be of substantial benefit to all the communities around Loch Ness and beyond."
The final section of the trail was funded using money from Highland Council, the Scottish Government, European Union and energy provider SSE.
It also had support from Glendoe Estate, over whose land the trail has been constructed.
A new three-day running, walking and cycling event is planned for the trail in 2020 in a bid to raise its profile on the global stage.
