Iconic Ross-shire visitor attraction Eilean Donan Castle tables plans to tackle Covid challenges and meet global demand
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AN iconic Ross-shire attraction known around the world has tabled plans to help it meet the unprecedented visitor challenges of Covid-19.
Eilean Donan is one of Scotland's most recognisable castles, sited at a meeting point of three great sea lochs and amongst the most visited beauty spots in the Highlands.
Back in November of 2020 it closed temporarily because of the financial impact of Covid.
Now, the Conchra Charitable Trust which operates it, has tabled plans for a change of use from cafe to retail unit to include new porch and storage extension and a new stretch tent feature.
The plans include a small six sq.m porch extension to the existing cafe.
A statement with plans lodged with Highland Council this week says the works "will allow for the changing visitor demands as a result of Covid-19".
It coincides with rising concerns about the impact of a new variant.
The proposals aim to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the castle's longevity as a visitor attraction.
Because of the virus, more people are reluctant to eat inside, prompting the offer of more space outside.
The use of a stretch tent – similar to the type deployed in Alness by a youth group there to allow sheltered, outdoor sessions to continue – aims to provide covered space with the added attraction of being able to view the castle from the external tables.
A design statement by Lachlan Stewart of ANTA Architecture notes the stretch tent would be "easily reversible should the demand change as the visitors change habits as Covid-19 restrictions change".
No change in the existing car parking arrangements for 180 vehicles is proposed at the Lochalsh attraction.
The importance of the castle – used as a movie backdrop for everything from the James Bond flick The World Is Not Enough to the 1986 blockbuster, Highlander – is noted in the application with it "recognised as one of the most iconic images of Scotland all over the world".
It states: "Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands."
The visitor centre now includes the ticket office, gift shop, coffee shop and sanitary facilities.
Constructed in the early 1990s to cater for the increasing number of visitors, the centre is now operating at capacity "and due to ever increasing numbers and the respective increase of employees at the castle an extension to this facility is required".
There is a Christmas Eve expiry date to lodge representations for what is a full application.
