Glasgow-based leisure firm says it is keen to work with local community on improving Glenmore campsite
The Glasgow-based nightclub operator which is to run Badenoch and Strathspey's most popular campsite has said it is keen to work with the local community and businesses to create a top-class destination.
Owners Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) announced earlier this week that Twinflower had secured the 15-year lease with a 10-year option to extend for Glenmore Campsite on the shores of Loch Morlich.
The new dedicated independent outdoor business has been established by the management team behind the multi-award-winning Holdfast Entertainment Company.
It is best known for The Garage – which opened in 1994 and is described as Scotland’s biggest nightclub – and sister venue Cathouse Rock Club.
The new operator has not run a campsite but points out that they have more than 30 years of experience in running hospitality and leisure businesses across Scotland.
Brian Fulton, director for Twinflower, told the Strathy: “The team are all avid outdoors enthusiasts and passionate about great Scottish tourism experiences, so are fully energised to enhance Glenmore as a top-class destination appealing to the domestic and international family holiday market for the long-term.
“We are particularly passionate about working with the community to showcase the best local food and products.
“We are also keen to work with neighbouring businesses to curate experiences and showcase local attractions.
“Over the next several months we will focus efforts on engaging with groups and businesses to determine how best to add value to the area before commencing a detailed investment programme to enhance site facilities.”
Subject to this consultation, Twinflower will embark on an initial three-year sustainable investment programme likely to include:
• additional play facilities and new community hub.
• Improved and fully accessible tent, caravan, and motorhome pitches to promote the outdoors to all.
• A new simplified booking and customer service system.
• Enhanced shower facilities and amenities.
• Wifi connectivity and sustainable measures to manage energy and waste.
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The company has declined to comment on the community hub aspect at this stage.
Twinflower will take over at Glenmore Campsite on December 1.
A company spokesman said the rigorous competitive tender process had shown ‘they have the transferable skills and financial capabilities to run a campsite destination’.
A community bid by Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust was not even short-listed by FLS from the 11 tenders for the lease – causing much frustration locally.
Trust spokesman Mike Dearman said in response to the appointment: “FLS has set high expectations for community engagement and community benefits, so we are happy to see that the new operators are keen to work with the local community and the trust is eager to engage with them at the earliest opportunity.
“We also look forward to understanding their investment plans for the site which was another key aspect to the tender process.
“AGCT is continuing to develop its plans to transfer ownership of the campsite and surrounding area, and hope to work closely with the new operators to ensure a smooth transition as the community takes over ownership of the site.”
Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes said: “I have not been part of the tendering process and have not been privy to the individual applications, however, FLS tell me that Twinflower put forward the most compelling and competitive bid.
“Given the significant level of interest in the site, particularly with the considerable disappointment that the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust bid was not shortlisted for further consideration, I am very keen to hear more about these plans, particularly about the proposed new community hub.
“I hope that the new operators and FLS will make it a priority to engage with the local trust and wider community as quickly as possible.”
Donald Macleod is the majority shareholder and managing director for Holdfast Entertainment Company. He was awarded an MBE for services to music and charity – through his work with music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins – in 2020.
He is a member of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and vocal supporter of the tourism and hospitality trade.
The campsite will be managed locally supported by fellow shareholder and director Brian Fulton and the wider Holdfast team.
Holdfast has won multiple awards and been recognised for best practice at national level by Best Bar None Scotland.
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The Strathy did ask FLS for the names of all the parties who had put in for the campsite lease but the public agency refused stating that the ‘information is commercially sensitive’.
AGCT is now looking to pursue a community asset transfer for the campsite and surrounding land.
Unanimous support was given at a recent public meeting attended by around 90 people – including many residents from Glenmore – for AGCT to try and wrestle control of the business.
Community concerns came to a head when previous owners Camping and Caravanning club refused to open the campsite after the end of Covid lockdown restrictions in summer 2020 causing problems with dirty camping and anti-social behaviour at the beauty spot.
