Troubled waters over plans for official canoe launch by Kincraig church
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A loch-side beauty spot in Badenoch is set for a planning row which is unlikely to pour oil on its troubled waters.
After years of controversy over public use of the private area, planning authorities will now have to decide whether or not to approve an application which could formalise the practice.
The Scottish Canoe Association wants to improve the so-called 'canoe access point and steps' beside Insh Church on the outskirts of Kincraig.
The organisation has applied for timber and aggregate steps to be built into the bank of Loch Insh. A spokesperson told the Strathy: " The details were discussed, in advance of the application, with a representative from the nearby Church, who has been supportive of the work to repair and improve the bank there."
For the kirk, Rev Charles Finnie said that no agreement had been made over the proposal, adding: "We look for further dialogue with them, and all who might have a vested interest in this application."
But the landowners are hoping to block the move and assert once and for all that the area is not for use by the watersports fraternity. They have said problems being caused at the site include people defecating and dumping litter.
Alvie Estate laird Jamie Williamson said: "The application assumes that the association have access to vehicle parking across the public road from their proposed canoe access point. This is not correct."
"Representatives of the association have been informed about this on several occasions."
The application involves 30 square metres of beach in the gated area opposite the lay-by which is officially used by the congregation of Insh Church which overlooks the site.
The Pitlochry-based group proposes using old telegraph poles to define the access.
‘Rod rounded’ treated timber poles or fencing strainers would help to raise the shore slightly to afford a permanent launching pad for the canoeists.
Planning agents HRI Architects state in the submission to Highland Council: "The taper of the poles should be let into the ground in order to maintain a uniform height...
"Building a path in several layers of differing grades of aggregate will significantly increase the path durability, compared to using ungraded ‘as dug’ material in one, single layer."
But Mr Williamson is formally objecting to the planning bid.
He explained: "The land across the public road from their proposed canoe access point is part of Invereshie Farm owned by Alvie Trust along with the land and riparian rights between land owned by the Church of Scotland and Loch Insh Outdoor Centre.
"This includes the small car park that is the site of the Ferryman’s house demolished following construction of Kincraig bridge.
"This area was subsequently turned into a car park for users of Insh Church.
"We erected signposts making it clear that this car park was private parking for the church only and no overnight parking following complaints about overnight parking by campervans using the woods for defecation and dumping litter and commercial recreation groups using most of the available space by leaving canoe trailers and people carriers for long periods of time.
"Over the last six months these signs have been vandalised on a regular basis and repaired or replaced several times."
Negotiations are still going on, Mr Williamson said, with Kincraig Community Council over construction of a footpath alongside the public road from the end of Kincraig bridge to link to the path alongside the public road to the shinty pitch and Loch Insh Outdoor Centre.
The laird cautioned: "When tree-felling operations commence, this private car park will be coned off and used for stacking and loading machinery and timber.
"Following our forestry operations, we anticipate this car park area will be used for access and delivery of materials involved in the footpath construction.
"Once the forestry and footpath construction operations have been completed, discussions are ongoing with Kincraig and Vicinity Community Council, the church, Badenoch Heritage and Loch Insh Outdoor Centre as to whether to close off this car park permanently.
"Due to frequent flooding this area is not suitable for toilet or litter facilities.
"If the local access officer, community council or Cairngorms National Park Authority wish improvements or expansion of access facilities in this vicinity, they should discuss this with the land and riparian owners and managers involved."
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