Iconic Ross-shire attraction eyes to the future with new overspill car park plans; Eilean Donan Castle trust lodges proposals

DOZENS of additional car parking spaces could be created near a major Lochalsh tourist attraction, under plans submitted to Highland Council.

The Conchra Charitable Trust has plans to extend the existing seasonal overspill car park near to Eilean Donan Castle.

The extension of the car park sits on the opposite side of the A87 to the castle, and close to the Eilean Donan Apartments.

If given the green light, the proposals would increase the number of available spaces at the overspill site to around 79 –including four disabled parking spots.

Transport Scotland has not yet objected to the plans at this stage, but stressed that the overspill's location on the opposite side of the A87 would increase the number of pedestrians crossing the busy trunk road to reach the castle, and it needed more information.

In a submission to Highland Council, the roads authority said: "With around 80 car parking spaces, this proposal will generate significant footfall between the proposed car park and Eilean Donan Castle and Visitor Centre.

"To allow further consideration of this application, Transport Scotland will require the applicant to identify and undertake an assessment of the existing pedestrian routes between the two locations and advise how they would propose to safely accommodate pedestrian crossing movements on the A87."

Historic Environment Scotland has raised no objection.

The applicant also plans to plant native trees and shrubs to screen the car parking.

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