One of the best dolphin watching sites in the north will soon get a major revamp.
Highland Council is looking for a contractor to upgrade facilities at famous Chanonry Point, near Fortrose, which attracts tens of thousands of people every year to see the exploits of the Moray Firth’s residents cetaceans.
But its growing popularity has caused gridlock in the car park and on the single track access road to point in recent years.
Now Highland Council has put forward plans to upgrade the infrastructure to cope with demand, including redesigning the car park, building new pedestrian footpaths and new dolphin inspired artwork.
A roundabout will also be installed to help manage traffic at the attraction.
The £325,000 contract stipulates that the work has to be completed by March 24 next year – ahead of the busy Easter weekend.
An action group has been working on the proposals for several months, involving Highland councillors, members of nearby Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the Moray Firth Partnership.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie community councillor Bob Taylor has also been involved in the project – which he said would solve the “fairly shambolic” current arrangements.
He said: “The site’s in a fairly sad state despite being so popular.
“Its popularity has grown ridiculously quickly as word has got out but its just quite an ad-hoc arrangement.”
It is estimated that about 150,000 people visit Chanonry Point every year, which makes it one of the busiest attractions in the north.
Also among the changes will be a new turning area, a seating area looking out over the waters of the firth and signs to guide visitors to the best areas to spot dolphins.
The entire car park will also be resurfaced, with Mr Taylor describing the current area as “riddled” with pot holes.
The council say that the road to the point being closed throughout the work, although th pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained.