Date revealed for community take-over of Cairngorms visitor centre
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Current owners Forestry and Land Scotland confirmed last week that they had given the green light to Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust to take over Glenmore Visitor Centre and its car park.
AGCT is delighted with the go-ahead and has said that they have exciting plans for the complex’s future.
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Big community support for buy-out bid for Cairngorm visitor centre
Trust chairman Duncan Swarbrick told the Strathy: “Last week’s good news with the decision notice was definitely a reason to celebrate.
“This green light means we can confidently move forward with our plans for the visitor centre's future.
“In addition to the purchase we can now build up our plans for development and enhancement of this site.
“One of the great things about community ownership is that it keeps the money the visitor centre earns here in our community.
“Profits will go back into the building, improving the visitor experience, and creating jobs - all of which will help our community grow.”
The decision itself does not automatically transfer ownership of the visitor centre to AGCT.
Mr Swarbrick said: “In terms of our next steps, we have the legal and conveyancing process to complete the acquisition and to pay for it!
“The date of the transfer is to be 1 November 2024. We will also look to initiate TUPE discussions with staff to ensure a smooth transition and to reassure them about the protection of their jobs through the transfer of the visitor centre.”
He added: “Again, we would like to give thanks to everyone who supported our application and sent congratulations.
“This success is something we've achieved together as a community and together we are writing the next chapter in Glenmore’s story.”
The visitor centre is a flagship site in the Glenmore area which attracts more than one million visitors every year,
The AGCT community asset transfer 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
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 as well as local polticians.
