Shuttle bus to Chanonry Point dolphin viewpoint set for a summer splash
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Dolphin Shuttle bus idea masterminded by Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council is set to be launched at the beginning of next month and has already been hailed “a great idea” by the MSP for the area.
The car park at Chanonry Point has been a magnet for visitors keen to spot the resident colony of bottlenose dolphins for which the area has gained a worldwide reputation.
But peak-time summer congestion has irked locals and presented a potential hazard in terms of access for emergency vehicles.
Hopes are high that the new bus service, which will be run by D&E coaches and launched over the Easter weekend, could become a permanent fixture and provide a “dolphin dividend” to local businesses.
Sarah Atkin, chairwoman of Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council, said: “After last year it was clear the situation at Chanonry Point couldn’t continue. Not only was it horrendous for residents, visitors and golfers, the congestion became a public safety issue. Something had to be done and a shuttle bus was one obvious way of reducing car use.
“The idea was canvassed to D&E coaches, who run the schools contract, for the peak summer months. They came back with a better plan to invest in a service for the whole season; running from the Easter weekend until the end of August. It’s been a bit of a push to get decisions made and all the legal boxes ticked in time but we’ve done it.
“The hope is that not only will this relieve congestion at Chanonry Point, it will also see our local businesses gaining a ‘dolphin dividend’ as visitors are brought back to Fortrose or Rosemarkie after their dolphin experience.”
MSP Kate Forbes, whose constituency includes the Black Isle, said: “This is a great idea, particularly for visitors.
“It’s clear why so many people choose to visit the area and that is to see dolphins and seals.
“The more people that get out of their cars and share transport, the better. It relieves congestion, reduces car emissions and supports another bus service.
“It is this kind of creative thinking that we need to see right across the Highlands.”
The service will run on a loop from Rosemarkie – Fortrose – Chanonry Point.
