A lochside holiday resort is bouncing back after a major blaze, with plans for expansion that could pump millions into the local economy.
Bosses at Taymouth Marina refused to let a restaurant fire in February disrupt their business plans.
They have secured planning consent for a range of improvements including a new breakwater and 40 pontoons, to offer enhanced water sports.
The move will create jobs and bring an estimated 100,000 visitors each year to the area.
Work on the new features, which will provide shelter and berthing for sail and motor boats, will begin this autumn and is expected to last four months.
Consent was granted by Perth and Kinross Council, despite safety concerns raised by Kenmore and District Community Council.
In the group’s objection, chairman Peter Ely said an earlier promise to build a footpath between the marina and the village had not materialised.
Marina owner Eric Strickland said: “The new water sports development represents the start of something very exciting, not only for Taymouth Marina, but for the wider area of Kenmore.”
He said: “Kenmore’s idyllic setting against the backdrop of Loch Tay and neighbouring Munros makes this area the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s natural landscape, but one that has been largely undiscovered.
“The council’s decision to approve planning permission for this development will help to put Kenmore on the Scottish tourism map.
“The expanded facilities will mean that we are able to provide an unrivalled experience to visitors to this part of Scotland, and reduce the seasonality of tourism to the area.”
The expansion will create 10 new, full-time, posts, bringing the total marina workforce to 30.
According to management, the combined direct and indirect impact to the local economy is predicted to be £3.46 million, following three years of trading.
Professor J John Lennon, director of the Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development – a leading consultancy and research centre for the UK visitor sector – praised the scheme.
“The proposed development will have a positive economic impact and generate employment in a quality, mixed water activity development.
“Such positive economic impacts and increased employment at a time of uncertainty in the wider UK and Scottish economy is to be welcomed.”
