WORK to install a new car park and public amenities at a beach in the Highlands, which has been listed as one of the best in the world, has been completed.
Achmelvich Beach, located three miles north west of Lochinver in the north west of Scotland, is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, including windsurfers and kayakers.
Following a £1.1 million upgrade the new car park and public amenities have opened to the public this Easter Weekend.
The Achmelvich Beach facilities now boast a 70-space car park, designated blue badge spaces, new toilet facilities including an accessible toilet, baby changing facility and two outdoor cold-water showers.
There is also a cycle rack, recycling bins and new signage at the beauty spot.
Economy and Infrastructure Chair, Councillor Ken Gowans, hailed the project as he said: “Achmelvich is a key destination for day visitors, its popularity had outgrown the current facilities and as part of the Council’s aim of delivering sustainable and responsible tourism in the Highlands, Achmelvich was identified as a priority in the Highland Council Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan.
“I’d like to thank all the stakeholders and funding partners for their support throughout this transformational project, the wider community for their patience during construction and to G Simpson (Builders) Ltd for creating quality facilities that now meet the needs of visitors to Achmelvich beach, whilst being sympathetic to the beautiful surroundings.”
The project was funded by £500k from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF), £257k Community Regeneration Fund, £57k UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £300k loan funding from The Highland Council with associated loan charges to be fully funded from income generated from parking charges from the Achmelvich Beach car park and toilet facilities.
Assynt Development Trust, Adam Pellant said: “We're very pleased that this long-required project for improved car park and public toilet facilities at Achmelvich beach has now been completed.
“We hope that this will encourage and enable responsible tourism in this key tourist location for the benefit of all including the residents, local crofters, and tourists themselves. We commend The Highland Council, the contractors and all partners including the original designers Fraser/Livingstone Architects, for the high quality of design and works.”
Managed by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the RTIF was created to improve the quality of the visitor experience in rural parts of Scotland which have faced growing pressure on their local infrastructure due to the increase in visitor numbers.
Destination Development director at VisitScotland, Chris Taylor said that investing in key infrastructure it will help promote responsible tourism.
He said: "The new car park and public amenities at Achmelvich Beach is a great example of how targeted investment can support rural communities experiencing high visitor numbers while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
“These improvements not only benefit visitors with enhanced facilities, including for those with additional access requirements, but also the local community, improving management of visitors at the site and helping ensure that the area remains vibrant and more resilient.
“By investing in infrastructure and promoting responsible tourism, we can help to protect Scotland’s stunning natural landscapes and improve the sustainability of our destinations for years to come.”
