A £25m visitor resort is being proposed for the foot of Ben Nevis.

Forestry Commission Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have produced plans for Leanachan, Fort William, next to Ben Nevis.

The plans feature a hotel, "alternative" tourist accommodation and a campsite.

Leanachan covers 7,300 acres of national forest land and is a popular draw for tourists, providing access to the Nevis Range.

Local businesses and communities are being invited to give their feedback on the new plans. A drop-in day at the Pinemartin Café, Nevisrange on 4 November (2-7pm) will include a presentation at 3pm on the project.


Robert Grant, for the Commission’s team managing the project, said: "We’ve established good links and a robust feedback process with key stakeholders and the wider community who are keen to get involved with these developing proposals.

"We’re aiming for a resort hotel that complements, rather than competes with, existing provision in the area and consultation has highlighted a general agreement with the principle of a resort complex. The majority of participants would welcome the facilities and the additional tourist numbers that it could bring.

"We’re still listening, though, and have already taken on board the feedback we’ve received. This latest version of the proposal includes some changes to the bunkhouse as well as some new elements including the Lochaber Rural Complex site and Ski Range and we’re now looking for further comment."

The Commission’s Masterplan for leisure and tourism-accommodation proposals is entitled the Nevis Forest and Mountain Resort, at Leanachan by Fort William.

(IT/CD)