Major Loch Ness visitor site set to open doors
A MULTIMILLION-pound visitor centre, café, and craft shop will open at Loch Ness before the end of this month.
The complex spearheaded by the boat tour firm Loch Ness by Jacobite has been built within the former Dochgarroch village hall overlooking the Caledonian Canal and Dochgarroch Locks.
Loch Ness by Jacobite managing director Freda Newton said it would be a place “for visitors and locals alike to gather, share stories, and learn about Loch Ness and the historic Dochfour Estate”.
She added: “We’ve been working tirelessly over the past nine months restoring the historic hall and hand-picking a selection of high quality suppliers who share our passion for exemplary design and attention to detail.”
The development will include a ticket reception and entrance hall, retail outlet, a 90-seat café built around a new central courtyard, and an external terrace overlooking the Caledonian Canal tow-path and quayside.
Morrison Construction handled the restoration. The company’s managing director of Building Highland, Donald Mclachlan, said: ‘‘We are proud to have successfully delivered this fantastic facility for Loch Ness by Jacobite. It is always rewarding to see the transformation of such a historic building.
‘‘Our experienced team and trusted supply chain have utilised their skills in breathing new life into this former village hall, making it a facility the community and visitors to the Highlands can enjoy again and we wish Jacobite every success with this exciting new venture.”
Councillor George Cruickshank, for Aird and Loch Ness ward, said the new centre “could only be a good thing”.
The facility is expected to open sometime next week.
A specific date is yet to be finalised.
