Camping site plan at South Bonar
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Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust has unveiled plans to develop a site for campervans and motorhomes at Bonar Bridge.
The group says it is in discussions with landowner Highland Council about taking over an area of land at South Bonar.
The land in question houses a public toilet block and has been used for free camping for many years with increasing usage in recent weeks.
The Trust sourced a £5000 design grant earlier this year from the VisitScotland Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund to investigate the possibility of developing the site.
Trust manager David Watson said: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we were not able to develop the plan as quickly as anticipated but we are now able to progress with the project and will have site reports in place by the end of the month.
“The plan is for the Trust to develop paid facilities for visitors at the site whilst at the same time reducing issues such as increased waste, impacts on parking, and pressures on local services."
He added: “The real benefit of the project is that we can retain our local public toilets in community hands without fear of closure. We hope it will also create income for the Hub and our local shops.”
It is intended to provide electric hook-up points for motorhome and campervans with showers, and a covered eating area as well as waste disposal areas.
The site would be controlled by a barrier system so that the toilet block remains free of charge to visitors and the public.
Mr Watson said a project plan would be submitted to the local authority in early October and, if it is accepted, funding would then be sought.
Anyone seeking further information about the plans can contact the Trust on 01863 766190 or email: development@kyleofsutherland.co.uk
