Controversial proposals for Scotland’s longest zip wire attraction were approved by Highland councillors yesterday.
Developer Jahama Highland Estates now has the go ahead to erect two wires – the second slightly shorter – from the Mamore mountains across the head of Loch Leven and into the village of Kinlochleven.
They estimate the £3.5 million development – which will be based on the site of a former smelter – will bring 35 to 40 jobs.
The local community has been split over the merits of the proposal, with some welcoming its economic potential and others voicing concerns about its visual impact and noise.
More than 1,600 people signed a petition to try and stop the development, endorsing the view that: “Kinlochleven is not an amusement park but is part of Scotland’s wild land heritage.
“Time spent in nature is free for all to enjoy and should not be ruined by a permanent, ugly, expensive structure that will only benefit a small minority.”
As part of their recommendation for approval, environmental health officers said the operator’s suggested opening hours, of 8am to 8pm should be limited to 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am until 6pm on Sundays.
Councillors overturned this to reinstate the original hours, agreeing that shorter hours would place a severe restriction on the operation.
Kinlochleven resident and councillor Andrew Baxter said he was not convinced noise would be a major problem.
Sophie Leatherbarrow was one of a group opposing the zip wires and yesterday said: “Obviously I am extremely disappointed by the decision to approve this project and to remove the restrictions on operating hours that had been suggested by the environmental health officer.
“I had hoped to hear more discussion of the many formal objections that had been raised and to feel that the views of the many people who opposed the project had at least been represented, even if the decision ultimately went against their wishes.
“However, I respect the process and recognise that others take a different view on the matter. I accept that this project will now move forward to the next stage.”
She said she looked forward to the community coming together again “after all the division and acrimony we have experienced since this was proposed”.
She said: “I have friends and neighbours on both sides of the debate and these relationships are far more important to me than a single issue.”
Steve Connelly, managing director of Leven Adventure, said: “Jahama Highland Estates will do everything it can to mitigate any damage to the environment, although there won’t be any as it’s a tiny footprint.
“Hopefully we will move forward and the village will become very proud of the zip wire as a village facility.”