A VISITOR centre at a tourist hotspot in the UK's largest national park has been taken over by a community group.
Glenmore Visitor Centre in the Cairngorms National Park is near Loch Morlich - the site of Britain's highest beach - and a few miles from the Cairngorm snowsports resort.
Owner Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has approved a community asset transfer request from Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust (AGCT).
Glenmore, an area of forestry and lochs, has more than a million visitors a year, according to FLS, and is a key site of the government agency's timber harvesting operations.
AGCT's application was assessed by an independent panel.
The trust already runs a small ice rink in Aviemore.
Chairman Duncan Swarbrick said: “Our commitment is to realise the full potential of the Glenmore Visitor Centre for the benefit of all by celebrating Glenmore’s rich heritage, hosting community events, and working in close partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland to promote responsible tourism and environmental conservation."
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the takeover was expected to bring increased community and public benefits and support sustainable tourism.
She said: “Acting as a hub from which visitors can go on to explore the many wonders of the Cairngorms National Park, Glenmore is a significant tourist draw and a prominent destination on the tourism map of Scotland.
“That the Trust has been successful is another strong validation of the Community Asset Transfer process and is great news for the community, for visitors and for the network of SMEs in Glenmore.
“AGCT has been successfully running the Aviemore Ice Rink for several years and the Trustees have considerable business experience.
“Approving the request is likely to increase community and public benefit through community ownership and positively engage the community as a key partner to support sustainable tourism in Glenmore.”
Simon Hodgson, FLS's outgoing chief executive, added: “I hope this and the many other transfers will serve as an example of how community empowerment can deliver community benefits and wealth building.”
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