Best foot forward at bridge of Orchy
Wednesday 17 May 2000
Cameron McNeish, one of Scotland’s best known mountain walkers, climber, broadcaster, author and journalist will officially open the Bridge of Orchy Project on Friday, marking the completion of the largest Rural Enhancement Project ever undertaken by North Argyll Development Agency, the Local Enterprise Trust.
Originally, the Bridge of Orchy site was used as a dumping ground in an area of outstanding scenic beauty and was very unsightly. Today the site has been completely transformed and offers those involved in outdoor activities in the area around Bridge of Orchy facilities such as a car park and picnic areas. The location has another function as a Rendezvous Point with helipad for use by the Emergency Services.
Cameron McNeish said: “Years ago when I was a lad travelling from Glasgow most weekends up to Glencoe and Ben Nevis it seemed all there was in Bridge of Orchy was a railway station and a hotel. I have to say there was little temptation to stay and linger.
“These new facilities, developed by the North Argyll Development Agency, are visionary, and have given Bridge of Orchy a real facelift. They will be gratefully used by hillwalkers and climbers, and indeed mountain rescuers, at a time when mountain activities are booming and bringing real economic benefit to the small communities of the Highlands.”
Part of the funding for the £180,000 development came from sportscotland Lottery Fund, through its Capital Programme.
Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: “In making an award of £39,425, the Lottery Fund recognised the need for the redevelopment at Bridge of Orchy, which will provide vastly improved facilities for those involved in outdoor pursuits in this area.
“sportscotland, through its Lottery Fund, has contributed over £106 million to all aspects of the development of sport in Scotland, including sports facilities, coaching, talented athletes, major events, youth and school sport.”
Phil Monteith, Chairman of the North Argyll Development Agency, said: “The Bridge of Orchy Project is the latest and, by far, the most ambitious of a number of Rural Enhancement Schemes undertaken by North Argyll Development Agency over a period of years in the West Highlands for the benefit of tourists and all those involved in outdoor pursuits.
“What is particularly important in this instance, however, is the provision of facilities for the emergency services in the form of Rendezvous Point and Helipad.
“The successful completion of the facilities and amenities at Bridge of Orchy is due to a team effort and we are grateful to all individuals and various funding bodies who made it possible.”
The Bridge of Orchy development also received aid and assistance from Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll and the Islands Enterprise, Leader II Programme, Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme, Railtrack, Scottish Natural Heritage, The Scottish Executive, Rural Challenge Fund, Bridge of Orchy Hotel and Forest Enterprise.
- The official opening will take place at 12 noon on Friday 19 May 2000 at Bridge of Orchy, Argyll (on the A82 trunk road, 6 miles north of Tyndrum).
- The opening will include demonstrations by Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team and Royal Navy SAR Helicopter (weather permitting).
- A buffet will be available in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.