Controversy Grows Over New Tourist Centre Plan at Glengarry Viewpoint in Scotland, Get the Details Here

Published on November 26, 2025

The proposed development of a tourist centre at the popular map of Scotland Viewpoint overlooking Loch Garry has attracted controversy within the Glengarry community. Black Sheep Management Services proposes a café, exhibition centre and a 125 space car park at one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Highlands. While the development supports the community’s goal in attracting tourism along the A87, community members are concerned about the impact of the development on the farmland and the rural character of the community.

Invergarry has one of the largest community halls in the Highlands; on the day of the meeting, 125 members of the community pre-registered in order to address their concerns and receive updates on the proposed development. A community member briefly reported on the proposed development. The development company, Black Sheep Management Services, was invited to the meeting but did not attend; they stated they will be organizing an information meeting sometime in the next month.

Concerns About Scale, Infrastructure, and Local Impact

Residents raised multiple issues regarding the proposed development, focusing on the potential impact on local resources and the natural environment. Among the most pressing concerns were:

• The Size of the Visitor Centre: Locals argue that the scale of the project is disproportionate to the rural, scenic location and risks overshadowing the natural beauty of the viewpoint.
• Pressure on Water and Sewage Systems: The existing infrastructure in Glengarry is limited, and residents fear that significant tourism-driven footfall could overwhelm essential services.
• Increased Traffic: Narrow Highland roads already face traffic challenges, especially during peak tourist seasons. The addition of a 125-space car park raises safety and congestion worries.
• Impact on Local Businesses: Some community members worry that an externally managed tourist centre could divert visitors away from locally-owned establishments, reducing income for existing enterprises.

Residents also criticized what they see as a lack of transparency and communication. Several claimed that the developer had ample opportunities to introduce the proposal during discussions related to the Glengarry Community Action Plan but did not mention it.

A Question of Precedent in the Highlands

Former Highland councillor Dr. Michael Foxley, who chaired the local meeting, emphasized the broader concerns the project raises. He questioned whether the development could set a precedent for private companies capitalizing on scenic viewpoints that have historically been freely accessible.

“There’s real worry that this could set a precedent,” Foxley said. “Can anyone just snap up a lay-by at a popular viewpoint and turn it into a private money-maker?”

This fear resonates with many rural communities across the Highlands, where public access to landscapes and viewpoints is part of the region’s identity and appeal. The prospect of commercialization has led to widespread debate about balancing tourism development with preserving heritage and local autonomy.

Some Support for the Development’s Tourism Potential

Despite strong opposition, some local residents voiced support at the meeting. They believe the development could create new jobs, attract more year-round visitors, and provide much-needed amenities at a location that currently offers limited facilities. Supporters argue that the viewpoint is already a popular stop for travellers along the A87, and structured infrastructure could help manage existing traffic and improve visitor experience.

For these community members, the project represents an opportunity to harness tourism growth sustainably while boosting economic prospects for the region.

Developer’s Proposal: Enhancing the Visitor Experience

Black Sheep Management Services’ proposal aims to complement the natural landscape while providing structured facilities for travellers. The development is designed in partnership with landscape architects Harrison Stevens and planning consultants Alan Farningham Planning. According to the design statement, the goal is to support the Highland Council’s aim of improving roadside infrastructure along key tourist routes.

The proposal includes:

• A designated car park to reduce roadside congestion
• Seating areas for visitors to enjoy the panoramic view
• Interpretation panels to explain the “map of Scotland” land formation visible from the viewpoint
• Landscape enhancements using native plants to maintain ecological harmony

Planning consultant Alan Farningham has described the development as a “modest yet meaningful investment in rural infrastructure,” designed to balance economic benefit with minimal environmental impact.

Balancing Tourism Growth with Local Values and Natural Heritage

The situation in Glengarry reflects a larger challenge facing scenic destinations in Scotland: how to manage rising visitor numbers without compromising environmental integrity or community well-being. Tourism is a vital economic driver for the Highlands, but unchecked development can place strain on fragile landscapes and small communities.

The proposal highlights the need for thoughtful, community-focused planning that weighs both the economic advantages and the potential social or environmental costs. As visitor numbers continue to rise across Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, rural communities are increasingly demanding a greater voice in shaping how tourism evolves around them.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for the Glengarry Development

Next month, Black Sheep Management Services intends to host its own public engagement event, where community members will have the opportunity to pose questions, clarify, and better understand the details of the proposal. Subsequently, the Highland Council will review the planning application and consider its potential impacts in various domains—environmental, infrastructural, and community—before reaching a conclusion.

At this stage, the Glengarry community still appears split, with the fate of the development dependent on more consultation and the planning process. This conversation highlights the fine line even the most remote regions of Scotland have to walk by balancing the incoming footfall with the preservation of the unique rural highland bodies.