Members of the Highland Counci have given permission for two tourism businesses to develop on the banks of Loch Ness.
21 March 2011 12:27 GMT
Two businesses are going head to head in a monster battle for Loch Ness tourists.
Highland Council's planning committee has been looking at multi-million pound plans for tourist centres on the banks of the most famous loch in the world.
The plans include a £2.5m application for the Jacobite Discovery Project submitted by Jacobite Cruises and a £2m application from Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition at Drumnadrochit to develop its existing waterside facilities, 850 yards away beside the Clansman Hotel.
Loch Ness cruise operator Jacobite Cruises announced plans in January for a new harbour, car park and visitor facilities on land each side of the loch-side A82 Inverness-Fort William road at Brackla.
Meanwhile, the family-run Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is seeking approval for enhanced access, retail and catering facilities and parking.
Councillors viewed the locations from a boat before giving both projects full planning permission. Robert Bremner, managing director for Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition who have been given outline planning permission said: "Jacobite remain our tenants and I see no reason for that to change at the moment; we are still on speaking terms."
He added: "Our development will give people a chance to get down to the loch side. People are still attracted to the area, not just because of the mystery monster but because of the beauty of the area."
Robin Webster, partner at Cameron Webster Architects which has designed the Jacobite Discovery project, said: "There are many eco-friendly features within the development and the location of the discovery project lends itself excellently to these. Low-energy features are a priority."
Project director Rod Michie said: "We are delighted with the progress of Cameron Webster's designs and are proud our project will be as environmentally-friendly as possible.
"We are looking forward to having new facilities where visitors can make the most of beautiful Loch Ness. We want to create everlasting memories for customers to take home, whilst still being kind to the environment."
IN DETAIL: Nessie caught up in a monster tourism battle
http://news.stv.tv/scotland/highlands-islands/237605-monster-battle-nessie-tourism-businesses-go-head-to-head/
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