Two studies will explore private sector tourism development opportunities in Tweed Valley &  around Fort William.

As part of a follow up to a Scotland wide investigation by Scottish Development International, Forestry Commission Scotland is to explore the potential for private sector tourism development around Glentress Forest and the Tweed Valley and at Leanachan Forest near Fort William.

The feasibility study has two parts to it with one section looking at Glentress and the Tweed Valley and the other exploring development opportunities at Leanachan Forest near Fort William. Forestry Commission Scotland is leading on the feasibility study with support from Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Consultants GL Hearn have been appointed to carry out the study with the findings being published later in Spring 2010.

With visitor figures to Glentress reaching over 350,000 a year, and 985,000 to the Tweed Valley Forest Park, the Commission is keen to ensure the area remains a top tourist attraction and that any development is taken forward in a sensitive manner. A feasibility study will explore the viability of attracting private sector investment in a new sustainable leisure and accommodation development on the national forest estate.

The other study will explore private sector investment at Leanachan.  Forest Forestry Commission Scotland is to explore the viability for a private sector tourism and leisure related development opportunity within Leanachan Forest, near Fort William. The move follows a study undertaken in 2008 by Highlands and Islands Enterprise which identified the forest, located next to the access road to Aonach Mor, as having development potential. Leanachan covers 7,300 acres of national forest land and is a popular draw for tourists. The area provides access to The Nevis Range, world class mountain biking, scenic walking trails and has helped gain the area “Outdoor Capital of the UK” status. A feasibility study will explore the viability of attracting private sector investment in a new sustainable leisure and accommodation development on the national forest estate.

Alan Stevenson, Forestry Commission Scotland’s Head of Communities, Recreation and Tourism said:

“The Commission recognises that Glentress and the Tweed Valley have distinct qualities that make it very popular to visitors. We want to continue to build on this and determine how best to proceed in a manner which is in sympathy with the forest environment and local needs.

“Work is well underway with the new Peel development and that is scheduled to be completed early in 2011. As part of a wider approach to supporting tourism, we are undertaking this new feasibility study to take an initial exploration into whether there is scope for further development in the area.

“The study will look into current and future local trends in tourism, demands for property, infrastructure in the area and whether or not a new commercial leisure tourist development is a viable option."

He also commented:

“Leanachan is already a very popular destination for tourists who enjoy the natural and rugged terrain that Lochaber offers. We estimate that around 40 per cent of visitors coming to Fort William are there for the great outdoors and many of these are repeat visits.

“Both HIE and Highland Council have indicated that Leanachan has potential for tourism development. The Commission is happy to help explore this further but in a way which is sympathetic to the environment and local needs.

“The study will look into current and future trends in tourism, demands for related property and infrastructure in the area and whether or not a new commercial leisure and tourist development is a viable option.