Official opening for multi-million pound Dochgarroch tourist attraction

Almost four months after opening its doors to its first customers, a new retail attraction and café has been declared officially open by VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead.

An Talla at Dochgarroch Lock on the banks of the Caledonian Canal is the culmination of a decade long ambition of Loch Ness by Jacobite managing director Freda Newton to create a new hospitality offering for the cruise company’s ever growing customer base, as well as locals.

More used to launching boats than buildings, Ms Newton said it felt right to have a wee celebration for the many people involved in its success. These include local suppliers of food, drink and crafts and those who helped restore the former village hall into a 21st century tourism destination.

An Talla, which has created 24 new jobs for people from the local area, has exceeded initial expectations, with more than 53,000 lunches sold in its first three months – twice the number anticipated.

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