Concerns about centre at ‘map of Scotland’ Loch Garry viewpoint

Concerns have been raised about plans for a tourist attraction at the Glen Garry viewpoint overlooking Loch Garry in the Highlands.

The Lochaber vista on the A87 road to Skye is often said to look like a map of Scotland.

Black Sheep Management Services has submitted a planning application to Highland Council for a visitor centre, café, shop and car park.

Glengarry Community Development Trust claims there has been a lack of local consultation, while residents fear the new business could create competition for Glengarry Community Hall.

Black Sheep Management Services – which owns a number of hotels and restaurants – has been approached for comment.

More than 100 people attended a public meeting in Invergarry on Monday night.

Concerns were voiced about the environment, traffic congestion and damaging competition for the community hall.

Ann Stewart, from Invergarry, said the hall was a community focal point.

She said on Wednesdays the building was used for an event called The Craic which offered the chance for people to meet over soup and sandwiches.

Ms Stewart told BBC Naidheachdan: “The fear within the community is that if there is a visitor centre and a café seven miles up the road people will go there and not come here, and then we might lose our hall that is so important to us.”

Earlier, Glengarry Community Development Trust said it was “unusual” more consultation had not been held on the proposed project.