Community is ‘concerned’ by plans for Loch Ness estate

A leading green entrepreneur has upset neighbours of his Highland estate over plans to convert a rundown barn into a base for rangers.

The 1262-acre Bunloit Estate, near Loch Ness, is recruiting its first rangers since being bought last year by Jeremy Leggett, a solar energy businessman and former scientific director at Greenpeace.

The £2.4 million purchase was helped by a crowdfunder.

His company, Solarsancturay Ltd, has applied to Highland Council for planning permission to convert the barn into a “shelter and meeting place” for rangers and visiting scientists.

It is also envisaged it would be used by public visitors and school groups on a seasonal basis.

The farm buildings conversion is the first plan submitted since the estate was bought by Mr Leggett who has wider plans for rewilding alongside building affordable houses and eco workshops.

But it has attracted objections from Glen Urquhart Community Council as well as four local households. They include concerns about increased traffic on the Bunloit Hill access road.

The application shows the estate plans to stop the existing rentals of two farm cottages from 2022 to general tourists in favour of eco-tourists who will be given expert guided tours.

Visitor numbers will be limited to 20 per day and it is estimated up to six scientists will work on research projects at any one time. Local school pupils have also been offered access for outdoor biology classes.

The estate said in line with its policy of reducing carbon emissions, vehicle access will be discouraged and most visitors and users will arrive by foot.

But Dianne Fraser, chairwoman of Glen Urquhart Community Council, said: “While the Glen Urquhart community welcomes investment, and are interested in the project proposed by Jeremy Leggett, the community remain concerned.

“The Bunloit road is a steep, single-track road, with poor sight lines, in poor repair in areas. The road is part of the Great Glen Way and is shared with walkers, cyclists and horses. The road is not suitable for heavy goods traffic.

“Water and waste water are also an ongoing challenge. The community council would like to see appropriate solutions to these issues before they can fully support this development.”

Other objectors have highlighted safety concerns about increased traffic.

A supporting document to Highland Council from the applicant says: “The building will be used by the estate rangers, and some scientists, all year round. Use by public visitors and school groups is expected to be seasonal. The estate are hiring two or three rangers, actively favouring local/Highland people.”

READ: Community by Loch Ness takes ownership of building as plan to create tourism and green transport hub moves closer

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