The group behind plans to rejuvenate an isolated part of Moray believe its rugged landscape could be transformed into a visitor attraction.
The Cabrach Trust is in the midst of a £5.3million scheme to create a new distillery and visitor centre in the area which was once famed for its illicit stills, but has since suffered significant population decline.
The group is now branching out in its efforts to regenerate the Cabrach, by commissioning a study examining the surrounding terrain.
Members believe that “huge possibilities” lie ahead for the land it owns, with the potential to create community woodlands, farming patches, riverside walks and flood prevention works.
Grantown-based woodland management firm, TreeWild, has been commissioned to carry out the research and has recommended creating new areas boasting trees and picturesque walkways.
Consultant Lynn Cassells said: “This was our first visit to the Cabrach and we were struck by the exciting vision for the distillery, breathing new life into the area.
“Our brief was to provide access and recreation in woodlands, design paths and future woodlands where people want to go.
“We know many people enjoy the hills and walking by rivers, so we look at what exists and where is appealing for visitors to go.
“We have made recommendations on the types of trees that would thrive in the wild landscape of the Cabrach, such as rowans, birch, hazel and holly with native shrub planting.”
Specific proposals include the formation of a Three Rivers Trail, starting from the visitor centre and going along the Blackwater, Deveron and Treble.
A circular route around the Treble Burn has been suggested, which would feature information points on river ecology and spots to enjoy a picnic.
Another idea is creating a trail to the Cairn monument which commemorates the area’s war dead.
And a long distance route entitled the Cabrach circuit has also been devised for more adventurous outdoorsmen.
Work is expected to begin on transforming the disused Inverharroch farm into a distillery and visitor centre this year, with the trust hopeful it will “put the Cabrach on the tourist map by marking its place in the story of Scotch whisky” when it opens in 2020.