The former Ardlui Outdoor Activity Centre near Arrochar could be given a new lease of life, almost a decade after its controversial closure.
West Dunbartonshire Council is, this week, expected to approve a transfer of the lease of the building to a new business, Loch Lomond Lodge, run by Jacqui Johnston.
Ms Johnston says the new business will offer a full range of products and services including accommodation, food and drink, outdoor sports packages, and equipment led by qualified professionals, as well as events, weddings, farmers markets, fitness camps, pick up and drop off services to various locations for anyone participating in activities including the West Highland Way and skiing.
She estimates that refurbishment of the building will cost more than £500,000.
McGregor’s Landing has been on the market since 2016.
West Dunbartonshire Council received a backlash from the public after closing the loss-making venue in June 2015.
It was put on the market shortly after and five parties expressed interest but just one bid was received, from a cancer charity, with the plans later falling through.
Members of WDC’s Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development (IRED) committee will be asked to approve the plans, and a rent-free period of up to 18 months at a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).
A report set to be presented to members says that transferring the lease could save the cash-strapped local authority up to £900,000 over the remaining 12 years of the lease.
It continues: “The council are tenants of Ardlui Outdoor Centre by virtue of a lease for a period of 25 years effective from 22 February 2010 granted by Freeland Developments Limited.
“ The council closed the facility on 30 June 2015.
“During the council’s occupation various works were carried out both internally and externally.
“As a result the council were required to obtain all necessary permissions and authorisations from both Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority and Argyll and Bute Council for such work, and these were granted.
“By agreeing to this transfer the council will remove a potential maintenance liability from the council’s asset register.
“Land which has lain vacant and disused for a number of years will be brought back into a use which will provide educational, cultural and employment generating opportunities.”
It adds: “The prospective tenant has provided the council with details of experience and provided evidence in relation to proposed uses and officers believe she would be a suitable proposed tenant.”
Offering stunning views of the River Falloch and easy access to Loch Lomond, McGregor’s landing was built in 1993 as residential outdoor education and conference centre.
It has capacity for around 80 guests over 29 single and shared rooms, many of which offer stunning panoramic views over Loch Lomond.
