Highland Council seeking land to extend Morar-Arisaig parking options

Highland Council is seeking use of land alongside the B8008 Morar-Arisaig road to expand short stay parking options in the popular tourist region.

 

The council is offering landowners income from either a fixed lease agreement or a share of income generated from parking revenue. Landowners can also apply for funding to help with development costs.

 

Those who believe they have suitable land will first have a preliminary informal discussion with the council’s principal traffic officer. After this, planning permission, legalities and procurement can take 12-18 months.

 

The appeal comes after plans to extend the Camusdarach beach car park and to create a new car park opposite Silver Sands in Morar were abandoned.

 

Lochaber Area Committee chairman councillor Kate Willis said: “Whilst disappointing that a solution to improve the available off-road parking is yet to be achieved, council officers continue to explore suitable land for car parking/park and ride options by reviewing council land that could create additional off-road parking on the B8008.

 

"However, the council owns very little land in the area and is therefore seeking landowners to come forward to discuss options that could mitigate road congestion and provide safe off road options for the thousands of visitors looking to enjoy the beautiful beaches and surrounding area.”

 

Any landowner in the area who would like to discuss the issue can email the council’s principal traffic officer at shane.manning@highland.gov.uk.