Swapping the locations of a visitor centre and a youth hostel are among the options for a revamp of a Cairngorm tourist area.
A masterplan outlining options for the future of Glenmore Forest Park, near Aviemore, were put before the public yesterday.
Options include upgrading or moving the visitor centre, changing car parking arrangements and cutting the number of signs along the road running between Aviemore and Cairngorm ski centre.
The proposals have been put forward by Forestry Commission Scotland and the Cairngorm National Park Authority, and were displayed to members of the public at Glenmore Visitor Centre this week.
One of the suggestions being made was to swap the current visitor centre with the existing Glenmore Lodge youth hostel.
Graeme Prest, district manager for the Forestry Commission, said: “It’s very much just an outline of what we are thinking of doing long term and we will involve the public every step of the way.
“We will be considering the best options for the whole area. I would stress that we are not looking to have some kind of massive expansion, just organise things in a way that makes the area more user friendly.”
Part of the masterplan is aimed at encouraging people to travel into the area without a car.
However, Aviemore businessman Alan Brattey said that may not be achievable.
He said: “The A9 dualling means more and more people will come to the area by car from the central belt. Public transport just isn’t good enough so people will use their cars to get out from Aviemore.
“I’ve heard a lot of good ideas but I would like better parking as a priority.”
The village of Glenmore and its neighbouring forest park is on the road linking Aviemore with Cairngrom Mountain, and is a focal point for tourists visiting the mountains and nearby Rothiemurchus estate.
The busy Glenmore Lodge youth hostel sits close to the visitor centre.
Hostelling Scotland chief executive Keith Legge attended yesterday’s meeting.
He said: “Doing nothing is not really an option and we will work closely with the park authority.
“We’re open to to change and interested to see any ideas which come up.”