Community trust in bid to buy visitor centre by Cairngorms' most popular beauty spot
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A community bid is being made to take over a visitor centre on the doorstep of the Cairngorms National Park’s most popular beauty spot – in what would be a first for the strath.
Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust submitted the application for the Community Asset Transfer of Glenmore Visitor Centre and its cafe and car parking with 28 spaces to owners Forestry and Land Scotland on Monday.
The CAT is receiving backing from the strath’s local MP and MSP as well as community leaders and local residents.
If successful, AGCT has said the sale to the community group ‘holds the promise of substantial benefits for both residents and visitors’.
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One key advantage is that all profits generated from the visitor centre and cafe – currently run by the Cobbs Group – will be reinvested directly back into the building, visitor experience and wider area.
AGCT chairman Duncan Swarbrick said: “A tremendous amount of work has gone into this application and, if granted, the vision is to create a greatly enhanced facility.
“Ownership of the facility would enable the community to have a more input into local resources and help build community wealth with all profits being re-invested in this and other community projects.”
Trust director Mike Dearman said: “We’re excited to be submitting a strong asset transfer request for the visitor centre.
“Ownership of this fantastic asset allows our community to tell the story of this amazing place and its people, and ensures that we have a real say in its future.”
He added: “Since the trust’s failed tender bid for the Glenmore Campsite, our relationship with FLS has become very positive.
“We hope that this CAT can become a showcase for how the community and public sector can work together productively to the benefit of all.”
By securing community ownership, AGCT has said residents will become active stakeholders in the future of Glenmore.
Mr Swarbrick explained: “This inclusive approach ensures that the community will have a voice and a seat at the table when it comes to crucial decisions related to visitor management including aspects such as signage, housing, transport and other pertinent issues.
“AGCT believes that community involvement is integral to finding effective and sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.”
It has been well documented that the Glenmore area has suffered from dirty camping issues since the end of the Covid lockdown.
Visitor numbers to Glenmore are estimated at 500,000 per year with the door counter at the visitor centre indicating around 120,000 people entering the building annually.
A FLS spokesperson said: “We have received the CATS request from AGCT which, as with any CATS application, will soon be published online for the public to view and comment on it.
“Our advisory panel will assess the application and make its recommendation in due course.”
A market valuation of the visitor centre and car park has already been carried out and accepted by FLS and AGCT.
The trust is the community organisation which successfully returned an ice rink to Aviemore and continues to run the popular facility to this day.
Aims of the ambitious project:
AGCT has said it is focused on improving the experience of current visitor numbers rather than looking to increase numbers to Glenmore.
The project aims include:
• creating a warm a welcoming space for the enjoyment of both of locals and visitors, by enhancing the centre with improvements to internal decoration, improving flow of visitors, providing additional facilities for outdoor enthusiasts and through family friendly experiences.
• Further enhancing the visitor interpretation/information centre bringing to life the rich story of Glenmore for the enjoyment of all.
• Creating a visitor information hub to work with stakeholders to promote other Glenmore, Cairngorm and wider Aviemore area activities.
• Developing an events space for talks, workshops and special events for schools, special interest groups and others.
