Loch Ness partners could become monster rivals for tourist business
Council could give permission for visitor attractions only 500 yards apart

Press & Journal: By Mel Fairhurst
Published: 11/02/2011

They have worked hand in hand over the past two decades to provide the ultimate experience for inquisitive Nessie hunters.

Now, two Highland tourist firms could become monster business rivals.

The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition at Drumnadrochit and Jacobite Cruises are family companies which help attract 500,000 tourists to Loch Ness every year.

But they have submitted development plans which would see them in competition only 500 yards away from each other.

The Bremner family, who run Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, want to extend their Brackla harbour site, opposite the Clansman Hotel, on the west side of the loch and create a £2million visitor attraction.

Their plan includes a new road leading to the loch which would link parking for 60 cars with a cafe and gift shop. Their revised plans went on display to the public yesterday.

Currently the Bremners work alongside Inverness-based Jacobite Cruises, which leases land from them to operate pleasure trip boats from Brackla harbour.

But Jacobite Cruises, established in 1973, has also submitted a plan, for its own £2.5million harbour and visitor centre about 500 yards away. It also wants to build an underpass below the A82 Inverness to Fort William road to access a visitor centre.

Highland Council’s planning manager, Dave Polson, said: “In principle, both developments could be approved.

“Loch Ness is one of the biggest attractions in the world and up until now we have had little on the loch-side itself. It is quite difficult to access the loch.

“We have to look at each development on its individual merit. We could end up with both.”

David Bremner, whose family started the Loch Ness centre business more than 30 years ago, said: “We have worked in tandem with Jacobite for more than 20 years and we don’t see why that should stop at the moment, as both businesses complement each other.

“There is no reason why the businesses shouldn’t grow and flourish together. We would welcome Jacobite staying if we have planning consent.”

Jacobite Cruises bosses do not want to comment before councillors meet to determine the applications, probably on March 1 or at a special meeting on another date, but they say they would honour their Brackla lease, which expires in 2017, even if their plans are given approval.

Elizabeth Macintosh of Achmony Holidays, Drumnadrochit, was one of the visitors to a public exhibition yesterday.

She said: “I have lived here all my life and my house overlooks the loch. You never tire of it. This is God’s own country and we want to give people the opportunity to get the loch experience we are lucky enough to get every day.

“As for Nessie, I haven’t seen her myself, but I definitely think there’s something there.”

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2131775?UserKey=#ixzz1DjUZRqqA

| print this page |