Delight after community group gets go-ahead to take over Glenmore Visitor Centre
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Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust is to take over the Glenmore Visitor Centre and car park after a successful application to make a community asset transfer.
The community group has expressed its delight at the decision by Forestry and Land Scotland which was announced a short time ago.
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AGCT said the transfer will enable the community ‘to take ownership of a key asset that plays a vital role in local tourism’.
The Glenmore Visitor Centre is a flagship site in the Glenmore area which attracts more than one million visitors every year,
The AGCT request was approved by FLS and supported by the recommendation of an independent panel of assessors who recognised the community and public benefit likely to be delivered.
It is a big win for the trust who were previously overlooked by FLS to take on the long term tenancy of the nearby Glenmore Campsite
Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, said: “Acting as a hub from which visitors can go on to explore the many wonders of the Cairngorms National Park, Glenmore is a significant tourist draw and a prominent destination on the tourism map of Scotland.
“That the trust has been successful is another strong validation of the Community Asset Transfer process and is great news for the community, for visitors and for the network of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in Glenmore.
“AGCT has been successfully running the Aviemore Ice Rink for several years and the trustees have considerable business experience.
“Approving the request is likely to increase community and public benefit through community ownership and positively engage the community as a key partner to support sustainable tourism in Glenmore.”
The AGCT bid had received support from key stakeholders including the Aviemore Community Enterprise, Voluntary Action Badenoch & Strathspey, Badenoch & Strathspey Community ConnXions, Aviemore Community Council and local tourism businesses including the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Of the 28 individuals and organisation that made representations on the request 25 were wholly supportive.
AGCT chairman Duncan Swarbrick said: “We're thrilled to receive Forestry and Land Scotland's positive Decision Notice.
“This transfer enables the community to take ownership of a key asset that plays a vital role in local tourism.
“It provides AGCT with a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable community-led tourism and environmental stewardship and we are excited about opportunities and positive impacts that lie ahead.
“Our commitment is to realise the full potential of the Glenmore Visitor Centre for the benefit of all by celebrating Glenmore’s rich heritage, hosting community events, and working in close partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland to promote responsible tourism and environmental conservation.
“We are delighted at the level of public support throughout which shows how integral the visitor centre is to a healthy and vibrant local economy.
“We have also built up a positive working relationship with FLS and are keen to work with them on improving visitor facilities in Glenmore.”
FLS chief executive Simon Hodgson commented: “Since 2017, we have completed 25 asset transfer requests across Scotland, opening up opportunities for communities and empowering them to realise even more of their potential, with a strong pipeline of requests in development.
“The Glenmore Visitor Centre is at the heart of the visitor experience to Glenmore Forest Park and we look forward to working with AGCT to realise the full potential of this much loved area for visitors and the local community.
“I hope this and the many other transfers will serve as an example of how community empowerment can deliver community benefits and wealth building.”
Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry (SNP) has supported the bid and welcomed today’s announcement.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted with this outcome. Having worked with the Trust for a number of years, I've witnessed at first hand the dedication, determination and ingenuity of those involved and they deserve enormous credit for getting this over the line.
“I am confident that they will take every step to ensure this is a success for everybody across the wider community.”
The decision notice is on FLS website and individuals and organisations that made representations have been notified.
The scheme empowers community organisations to ask to take over publicly owned land or buildings that they feel they can make better use of for local people.
