New viewpoints to be created to make most of majestic Cairngorms scenery
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Tourist viewpoints are to be created in the Cairngorms National Park to help draw more visitors to the area.
A competition has been opened to young archtiects to create the scenic tourist sports as part of the Scottish Scenic Routes project being led by the Scottish Government.
An additional £500,000 funding will now support the further roll-out of pilot projects, including in the Cairngorms and on Scottish Canals sites on the A82.
It will bring the total investment from the Scottish Government for the project to £1 million.
The first stage of the scheme, announced in 2013 with the initial £500k funding, involved three locations within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park at Inveruglas, Falls of Falloch and Loch Lubnaig. The competition for young architects to design these sites attracted 90 entries.
A Scottish Government spokesman said they were unable to give specifics on projects in the Cairngorms National Park just yet.
He explained: "More of Scotland’s viewpoints are to be transformed into scenic tourist spots to capitalise on the country’s natural landscapes.
"We cannot say just yet which particular views will feature as the selection process is still ongoing, but I can say that there could be more than one local route highlighted.
"And the announcement should be sooner rather than later, perhaps within a month or so."
The design of these new sites will be opened up to competitions for young architects and designers to exhibit their skills and creativity within the chosen landscapes.
Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead made the announcement at The Lighthouse in Glasgow, where the winning and shortlisted entries from the first projects are being exhibited.
He said: "Scotland’s breath-taking scenery is hugely admired across the world, and it is only right that we create as many opportunities as we can for people to experience it first-hand.
"Innovative viewpoints in areas of outstanding scenery will enhance the appreciation of Scotland’s landscapes and enrich journeys for both residents and visitors. It will also support rural economy and employment by creating additional interest and driving more people to the areas.
"Following the success of the first design competition it’s clear that we have some top architectural talent in Scotland and I hope the extension of this initiative will provide further opportunities for young architects to showcase their talents."
Duncan Bryden, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: "The Cairngorms National Park has fantastic routes that run through some truly majestic landscapes which draw visitors from around the world.
"I am sure this will inspire some great designs.
"We are delighted to be involved in the next stage of this exciting initiative and look forward to creating new viewpoints designed by young, up and coming architects."
