Community trust launches £25,000 appeal to start modernising Cairngorms visitor centre

A community trust has launched a Crowdfunder aimed at raising £25,000 to kickstart the essential refurbishment of the Glenmore Visitor Centre and its café.

Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust hopes to take over the complex at the start of November.

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AGCT spokeswoman Kirsty Bruce said: “We’re thrilled to announce that our Crowdfunder for the Glenmore Visitor Centre refurbishment is now live.

“This has been a long journey, and the continued support and encouragement from our community has meant so much to us.

“The café is at the heart of our project—it’s not just a place for coffee, it’s crucial to the success of the visitor centre.

“The refurbishment is very much needed to create a warm and welcoming space for both locals and visitors.

“I'd love to see the café become a space where local seniors and youngsters can come together, share an activity or walk, and enjoy a warm drink and snack together—just imagine the conversations and connections that could happen.

“The café will create year-round jobs and offer skill development through our partnership with Glen Lyon Coffee and their Coffee Academy.

“By sourcing goods from local suppliers, we will ensure the café’s benefits stay within our community and profits will be reinvested back into the visitor centre and other local projects.

“By securing community ownership of the visitor centre, we are building the capacity and sustainability of the trust which in turn strengthens projects like the Aviemore Ice Rink.

“This ownership helps us achieve our wider goals, including bringing back a full-sized ice rink to benefit the whole community.”

The Crowdfunder offers various rewards in return for donations starting from £15.

For more details visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/community-owned-glenmore-visitor-centre

The journey so far:

Community Asset Transfer application submitted: January 6, 2024

Forestry and Land Scotland issues positive decision notice: March 28, 2024

Social Investment Scotland Loan Approved: May 15, 2024

CNPA Climate Adaptation Funding Award: £46,720 for building energy efficiency improvements, July 24, 2024

Upcoming key dates:

Formal offer to purchase: September 30, 2024

Transfer of ownership: November 1, 2024

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