£12million cabins proposal consultation sessions

Thursday, 11 July 2019

Two public consultation events that aim to explain and showcase a £12 million proposal for 50 eco sensitive holiday cabins at Leanachan Forest, Lochaber, are being held next week.

The proposed cabin location by Forest Holidays – part of the Forestry and Land Scotland 20-year, £25million Nevis Forest Master Plan – is intended to supplement and complement the existing holiday offer in the area and increase the economic contribution that the forest makes to the visitor economy.

Bruce McKendrick, Chief Executive of Forest Holidays said;

“Nevis is a truly stunning area and we know this location will appeal to our customers who seek to explore Great Britain’s landscapes and forests.

"Forestry and Land Scotland’s Nevis Forest Master Plan has huge potential to increase the numbers of visitors to the area and encourage them to stay longer.

"We work closely with the communities around our locations to complement the existing tourism offer. Our experience from our 10 locations demonstrates the hugely positive impact we make on local businesses, attractions and accommodation providers.

"Insights show that there will be a demand for more – and more varied – accommodation in the Nevis region and our proposal intends to help meet that demand and play a part in maximising the area’s economic potential.”

Anyone looking to find out more about the proposals and the Nevis Forest Masterplan can meet members of the project team from Forest Holidays and Forestry and Land Scotland either at -

  • The Alexandra Hotel, Parade, Fort William PH33 6AZ – Tuesday 16th July 3 – 7 pm  
  • Lochaber Rural Education Trust, An Clachan, Lochaber Rural Complex, Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SQ – Wednesday 17th July 10 – 12 am

David Jardine, West Region Manager for Forestry and Land Scotland, said;

“The Nevis Forest Masterplan - a big idea for a big location – intends to make a positive step-change for Lochaber and create a ‘world-class destination’ from which all the attractions of Fort William and wider Lochaber region can be explored.

“It’s been around five years since the Masterplan came together and this proposal is the first element to arrive in the real world from off the drawing board.

“We’ve enjoyed wide-spread support for the Masterplan but after five years, we are looking forward to meeting and speaking with a wide range of local stakeholders to answer their questions and rekindle the enthusiasm that has helped get us to this stage in the process.”

Forest holidays locations typically create over 50 full time jobs, buy-in local goods and produce, and welcome guests all year round. On average, each cabin generates £30k in annual visitor spend in the surrounding area.

Forest Holidays, which operates ten eco-cabin sites across the UK, aims to finalise a full planning application for submission to the Highland Council planners later this year.

Other elements that will follow in later years, through other partnerships, could include a proposed Hotel development, a camping/glamping offer, event parking and improvements in recreation and connectivity.

Notes to Editors

  1.  NB - The attached images are indicative only and show Forest Holidays cabins at Strathyre.
  2. Forest Holidays aims to create authentic experiences in Britain’s amazing forests; connecting people, nature and local communities. It is a joint venture, public/private partnership with the Forestry and Land Scotland and has a 125-year lease on the land on which sites are based. The cabins are architecturally designed to fit sensitively within the woodland environment with modest central facilities. With nature at the heart of Forest Holidays’ ethos, they provide year-round short breaks and holidays in timber cabins set within ten locations on the Forestry Commission Estate, operating successfully in National Parks and other sensitive locations.
  3. To date, Forest Holidays has invested over £100 million into rural areas across Great Britain, creating 10 cabin locations and employing nearly 600 local people. Four cabin locations were established between 1972 and 1980 at Deerpark in Cornwall, Keldy in North Yorkshire, and Strathyre and Loch Awe in Scotland, in addition to a number of already established campsites across Great Britain.
  4. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, managing forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; and delivers benefits for people and nature.
  5. The primary focus of FLS, in delivering its purpose, is to support Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of the National Forest Estate.
  6. Leanachan covers 7,300 acres of national forest land and is a popular draw for tourists. The area provides access to The Nevis Range, world class mountain biking, scenic walking trails and helped Lochaber gain the “Outdoor Capital of the UK” status.
  7. www.forestryandland.gov.scot | https://twitter.com/forestrylsnews
  8. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot