THE John Muir Trust has announced the purchase of a 45-acre site on the shoreline of Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin, with an aim to create a major community and visitor hub.
The Kylesku site has a view across the loch to the three-peak mountain, Quinag, which the trust has looked after since 2005, and already includes 10 lodges with planning consent for further infrastructure in keeping with the surrounding landscape.
An extensive consultation will be launched later this year to ensure that all sections of the local community have input that will help inform the future of the site.
While the consultation proceeds, the existing Kylesku Lodges business will carry on as usual.
In addition to Quinag, the John Muir Trust manages a number of culturally and environmentally significant areas of land including Ben Nevis, Sandwood Bay, Schiehallion, and parts of the Skye, Knoydart, the Scottish Borders and the English Lake District.
The trust said the purchase reiterates their ambition to work with local communities and crofters to boost the economy of the area, and increase the resident population.
David Balharry, the CEO of the Trust, added: “We believe this could be a fantastic opportunity for the area. We don’t want to pre-empt the community consultation by setting out specific plans at this stage.
“We will start by conducting a feasibility study around design and funding, then engage in wide-ranging conversations with local residents, organisations and businesses.
“Strong local involvement will not only generate ideas and inform our plans but ensure the social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits created will be real and lasting.
“Within every rural community there is a mix of different priorities. We are keen to hear from local people from all walks of life with a broad range of views and suggestions.”
