Latest news with #LochNess
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Highland councillors oppose hydro project on Loch Ness
Councillors have objected to plans for a new hydro scheme that would draw water from Loch Ness to generate Energy's pumped storage hydro project would involve constructing a power station and tunnels at Loch Kemp near Whitebridge, about 10 miles (16km) north of Fort Scottish government, which has a say on whether it eventually goes ahead or not, has consulted Highland Council on the local authority's south planning applications voted 8-2 in favour of a motion opposing the project due to a number of concerns, including impacts on wildlife and tourism. Highland Council officials had recommended councillors raised no Energy has been approached for comment. Aird and Loch Ness councillor Chris Ballance, who put forward the motion, said ancient woodlands along the loch's shores could be adversely affected by changes in water said wildlife, such as otters, and the "special qualities" of Loch Ness could be put at Ballance also argued that a tourism impact assessment had not been carried out, and his motion also raised concerns about construction traffic on local and Strathspey councillor Bill Lobban tabled an amendment supporting the officials' recommendation. The amendment was defeated in the District Salmon Fishery Board, which opposes new pumped storage hydro on Loch Ness, welcomed the committee's Brian Shaw said: "This was absolutely the right decision. "The councillors rejected out of hand the planning officer's conclusion that this was the 'right development in the right place'." What is pumped storage hydro? Pumped storage hydro involves two bodies of water at different water flows from one to the other through tunnels, passing through a power station to generate there is low demand for electricity from consumers and/or when surplus power is available from wind farms, electricity is used to pump water from the lower level to fill a reservoir further up the water can then be released from the upper reservoir, flowing down the tunnels to drive turbines which generate hydro-electricity. This happens at times of high demand, or when there is not enough wind to power wind Kemp Storage Ltd, which is owned by Statera Energy, has proposed damming Loch Kemp, the upper reservoir of its scheme, to raise water also plans to construct an underground waterway systems and tunnels, and powerhouse on the shores of Loch Ness. The south planning applications committee granted consent for a separate electricity-related approved plans SSEN Transmission's plans to replace three 1960s-built substations at Deanie and Culligran in Glen Strathfarrar, and at Kilmorack.
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Sauna plan for Loch Ness pub owned by Scotland's richest man
A sauna, shop and beach café have been proposed for a pub and restaurant taken over by a company owned by Scotland's richest billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen's WildLand purchased the Dores Inn on Loch Ness last property in the village of Dores, about 10 miles (16km) south of Inverness, is currently plans outlined to Highland Council, WildLand has also proposed renovating and expanding the inn, revamping its car park and public toilets. Mr Holch Povlsen made his fortune in retail and is worth almost £8bn, according to the latest The Sunday Times Rich List. WildLand, a conservation and hospitality business, already owns the nearby 300-year-old Aldourie Castle and 500 acres of grounds and Category A-listed castle was among 11 buildings named as winners of the annual Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) awards last said in October the Dores Inn would be closed for about 24 months for restoration work and should reopen in company is holding public exhibitions on its plans at the inn on 27 and 28 executive Tim Kirkwood said: "The Dores Inn sits at the heart of a much-loved community setting. "As we explore options for its restoration and long-term operation, we're committed to involving the community from the outset." A full planning application is expected to be submitted with Highland Council before the end of the Turner, head of region at WildLand Loch Ness, said: "The Dores Inn has always been more than a pub - it's a gathering place, a gateway to the loch, and an important part of local life. "We want to restore that role and build on it, creating something that works year-round for the area."The Dores Inn pub and restaurant is a landmark on the southern shore of Loch was visited by Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip in the years, owners of the Dores Inn have included local community stalwart Ella Macrae.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Where To Go: Amazing Tours For Solo Travelers
Scotland is one of those destinations that you must see in person to truly experience. Just because you don't have someone to travel with, doesn't mean you shouldn't go at all. The world is full of incredible places to experience first-hand, from outdoor adventures to city escapes to serene and quiet vacations. Keep reading to learn about the best tours for solo travelers as well as tips for planning and what you should do once you arrive. The perfect time to visit is now. Experiencing the Scottish Highlands by rail is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Discover the incredible and indelible beauty of the Scottish highlands, full of lochs, glens, castles and fluffy highland cows and sheep on a journey with Vacations by Rail. You'll be well taken care of as a professional tour guide leads you through the nine-day Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands tour. Highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime tour include rides on the Jacobite Steam Train, or the 'Hogwarts Express', as it crosses the stunning 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct; Kyle Line, a lovely route that begins in Inverness and snakes through the rugged and verdant landscape; and West Highland Line, which has the most isolated train station in the UK, where you'll travel from Glasgow to Fort William. Beyond beautiful train crossings, you can expect this value-forward trip to also include a delightful cruise from Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, a visit to the colorful chocolate-box village on the Isle of Mull, and a stop at the 13th-century well-preserved Eilean Donan Castle, located on a tiny island surrounded by Loch Duich. By the time you reach Edinburgh, at the end of the trip, your cameral roll will be jam packed with beautiful photos, and you'll have a lifetime of memories that you can sift through like multi-hued gems in your hand. A tour manager is included from start to finish. Once you arrive in Edinburgh, all of the logistics and planning will be taken care of. This local expert is always available should you need anything or want to ask questions to provide valuable context to what you're experiencing. Luggage transfers and all breakfasts are included as well. The views from the London Marriott Hotel County Hall are spectacular. There's much to experience in this massive city of nine million people, whether you want to see important historic landmarks like the Tower of London, a castle and former prison in the heart of the city, as well as the home to the famous Crown Jewels; Westminster Abbey, a gorgeous and looming Gothic church; Buckingham Palace, the home of the British monarch; St. Paul's Cathedral; or Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Best explored on foot, wear your comfy shoes (the Dillon Canvas shoes from Xero Shoes are a solid choice) and prepare to get your steps in. There's nothing more special than walking over the Victorian-era Tower Bridge or strolling around Kensington Palace and the British Museum. Located within walking distance to much of what London has to offer, the historic London Marriott Hotel County Hall, next to The London Eye, is perfect for you home-away-from-home. Gareth Walker, The Library restaurant manager at the hotel, is also a celebrated graffiti artist who offers masterclass opportunities for guests at Leake Street Arches, a former railway tunnel beneath Waterloo Station. 'I run the afternoon tea here, which is very shocking to people as they see me in my suit serving afternoon tea, then by night in the grimy tunnel working my magic on the walls,' Walker says. 'Marriott have been very supportive on my journey.' Expect to see wildlife and glaciers on this tour through Alaska's Kenai Fjords. One of the most diverse national parks in the US in terms of wildlife viewing is Kenai Fjords National Park. Hugging the south-central Alaska coast, just over two hours south of Anchorage, this national park is home to a wide range of marine wildlife: humpback, gray, and orca whales; sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall's porpoise; and a plethora of bird species including horned and tufted puffins, cormorants, and eagles. And, yes, big ole land mammals live here too: black and brown bears, moose, mountain goats, and porcupines, among other woodland creatures. For a one-stop-shop planning and logistics juggernaut, look no further than Pursuit, leaders in curating exclusive one-of-a-kind wilderness experiences in Alaska and beyond. You'll begin your adventure at Windsong Lodge in Seward, your gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, before heading to Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, located on the remote and rugged Fox Island. Kenai Fjords Tours will deliver you safely across Resurrection Bay, a 12-mile journey from Seward—the only way to reach the island. For a two or three-night stay, you'll be treated to delectable meals, a sweat session in the dry barrel sauna, a hike through the weathered forest to a panoramic look out, and a kayaking adventure like no other. Enjoy private waterfront cabin accommodations, with views of either Halibut Cove or the lagoon. You'll love searching for heart-shaped rocks on the beach and harbor seal noses poking out of the water. When you've finished your stay, you'll get the ride of your life as you see an abundance of wildlife and flora as well as glaciers on an educational cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours, operating since 1978. This multi-hour tour is led by a professional captain who will narrate the entire tour, giving you indispensable context and information for what you're seeing and experiencing. Be prepared for outdoor adventure by packing weather appropriate clothing—layers are key. From warm base layers to rain jackets to study footwear to clothing you can move in, check out new styles from Cotopaxi, Helly Hansen, Arc'Teryx, prAna, or Danner.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Plan to fence off Inverness Castle with railings and gates
Highland Council has proposed fencing off Inverness Castle and its former sheriff court is being turned into a tourist attraction with landscaped council, which is leading the redevelopment, plans to put up railings and gates around the property and open the site from 08:00 to 22: work started on the transformation in 2022, the castle's grounds were open to the public at all times - though there was more restricted access to the castle's court buildings. The new Inverness Castle Experience is being redeveloped a cost of about £30m, and is due to open later this year. The plans for railings and gates were first reported in the Inverness application for the fencing is currently in Highland Council's planning system.A feature of the castle's grounds is a statue dedicated to Flora famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie evade capture after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in of the grounds also offer views over Inverness' Riverside, and towards Loch Ness in one direction and the mountain Ben Wyvis in the grounds are currently blocked off by wire fences erected due to the construction Council said the railings and gates would form part of the landscaping around the castle, and contribute to the management of the building and gardens.A spokesperson said: "It is intended that the site will be open from 08:00 until 22:00, allowing access throughout this period. "The opening hours are planned to be all year round. "We will put all necessary measures in place to ensure appropriate management of The Inverness Castle Experience building and gardens when it opens later this year."Ticket prices for the tourist attraction were announced in March. The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service moved out of the castle in redevelopment has received funding from the £315m Inverness and Highland City Region sandstone Inverness Castle was built in 1836 to plans drawn by architect William was constructed on a mound overlooking the city and the River Ness. In 1848, a building known as the North Block was added and served as a a castle had occupied the site from possibly as far back as the 11th the centuries, the fortification fell under the control of the forces of Edward I, Robert the Bruce and James I, II and 1562, it was attacked and damaged by soldiers loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, before it was almost destroyed by Royalist troops in the Prince Charlie's forces blew the castle up in 1746 to prevent it from falling into the hands of government was said that a French sergeant, who had brought his poodle with him to Scotland, set off the soldier was caught in the blast, and his body was blown across to the opposite side of the River Ness. His dog survived.
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Loch Ness hydro project to go before Highland councillors
Plans for one of three large hydro power schemes that would draw water from Loch Ness to generate electricity are to go before Highland councillors next Kemp Storage Ltd has proposed building a power station and tunnels near Whitebridge, about 10 miles (16km) north of Fort Scottish government, which has a say on whether it eventually goes ahead or not, has consulted Highland Council on the local authority's officials have recommended that the south planning applications committee does not raise any objections to the plans. Loch Kemp is one of three different pumped storage hydro schemes proposed for near Loch others are Statkraft's Loch na Cathrach, in the hills above Dores, and Glen Earrach Energy (GEE), near would also draw water from Loch Ness to help generate electricity for thousands of homes. Pumped storage hydro involves two bodies of water at different heights. The water flows from one to the other through tunnels, passing through a power station to generate there is low demand for electricity from consumers and/or when surplus power is available from wind farms, electricity is used to pump water from the lower level to fill a reservoir further up the water can then be released from the upper reservoir, flowing down the tunnels to drive turbines which generate hydro-electricity. This happens at times of high demand, or when there is not enough wind to power wind Kemp Storage Ltd, which is owned by Statera Energy, has proposed damming Loch Kemp, the upper reservoir of its scheme, to raise water also plans to construct an underground waterway systems and tunnels, and powerhouse on the shores of Loch Ness. GEE has been holding community events this week as part of its work towards trying to secure consent for the 2GW project on Balmacaan developer has made a commitment to deliver a community wealth fund of more than £20m a year throughout the lifetime of the scheme.A spokesperson said GEE was developing one of the UK's "largest and most water efficient" pumped storage hydro na Cathrach, formerly known as Red John, was granted consent by the Scottish government in June 2021. The project was taken over by Statkraft in December 2023 and is in a pre-construction phase. The UK has four existing pumped storage projects - Cruachan and Foyers in Scotland, and Dinorwig and Ffestiniog in a large-scale pumped storage scheme has not been built in the UK for more than 30 Power Station on Loch Ness opened in 1974, though hydro electricity has been generated in the area since the late 19th SSEN Transmission has proposed an extension to the switching station, which manages the flow of electricity from the site.A proposal of application notice was submitted to Highland Council in operator of Cruachan - an underground power station dubbed "Hollow Mountain" - has put on hold its plans for a major expansion of the developer Drax had proposed building a new hydro-electric facility next to its existing complex inside Ben Cruachan, near Dalmally in it said the costs of the project had risen and it would not be bidding for UK government support at this company said the expansion could potentially go-ahead in the future, "subject to an appropriate balance of risk and return".
