The first Buddhist lama in Britain will lead the project to build a spiritual centre in the Highlands – overlooking beautiful Loch Ness.
And the loch’s famous monster, Nessie, could be given special status when the centre is opened in the Highlands.
Work to create the retreat in the Drumnadrochit area could start in the autumn if negotiations over a building come to fruition.
While the location of the preferred site remains a mystery, it is understood that it will overlook the picturesque loch, with hopes that it will lure those looking for peace and meditation.
The centre will be based in an existing building, with members of the local Buddhist community to be involved in converting the property.
The new spiritual director of the project, Lama Gelongma Zangmo, said yesterday that Loch Ness has a “special magic”.
She added that the Dalai Lama’s visit to Inverness two years ago had “sowed a seed and now we have to cultivate it”.
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959, gave a sell-out lecture in the Highlands in 2012.
A special 10ft peace pole – made of solid oak – which was blessed by the Dalai Lama during his visit to the north will also be displayed at the centre.
There are also plans to find a smaller base in Inverness once the main centre is up and running.
Lama Zangmo said: “I think there will be huge benefits from the centre, and not just for Buddhists.
“What Inverness lends itself well to is as a place of retreat. It is a wonderful place for someone to come and do retreat and immerse themselves in learning, mindfulness and how to become less stressed.”
The centre is also expected to offer various classes in yoga and meditation.
Lama Zangmo likened the area to the Buddhist retreat on the Holy Isle off Arran on the west coast.
She said: “This is such a beautiful part of the country and it has a very special feel to it.
“The natural setting is wonderful, how pure the air is and the sense of spirit in the Highlands is most magnificent and inspiring. The scenery is striking, the light is beautiful and being close to Loch Ness has a special magic about it.”
Lama Zangmo was the first woman to be chosen as a lama in Britain and was previously involved in developing two major Tibetan Buddhist centres in London. She has recently returned from several months in India at Bodhgaya, the host revered holy site in Buddhism, and was given her Highland post last week.