Loch Ness Hub

When the Tourist Information Centre closed in Drumnadrochit, the community saw an opportunity to revitalise the building, and develop new expanded services which could benefit both local residents and visitors.

The project to develop the Loch Ness Hub has brought together the community, business and the public sector. Its innovative model demonstrates many of the benefits of community-led development:

• Ideas, business planning and delivery have come from and meet the needs of the community.
• The focus is on making services sustainable, and delivering community and environmental benefits locally.
• Development as a Community Benefit Society gives people more say - there's local buy-in with £110,000 raised through shares.
• Completion of a community asset transfer has brought the building into community ownership.
• Support for local jobs, directly and indirectly.
• Profits will be re-invested in the community.

Find out more about the Loch Ness Hub, and about the community's journey developing it.

Partnership

The project has been developed with the support of two experienced local organisations - development trust Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (GURCA) and Soirbheas, a local development charity.

Sustainable business plan

To re-open the building, deliver tourism services, and generate the community benefits, the hub developed a multi-faceted business plan to generate the revenue funding needed to support jobs and running costs. 

Part of the business plan was the purchase and running of an existing baggage transfer business, Loch Ness Travel. Loch Ness Travel provides bag transfers and a shuttle service for people exploring the Loch's treks and trails.

The building has undergone a complete refurbishment, renovation of toilets, the introduction of a motorhome service point, and there's a digital booking system to deliver services.

In addition, Loch Ness Hub is developing a range of 'green' initiatives and services with Soirbheas to incorporate a community transport hub. 

Business Model

Loch Ness Hub has been set up as a Community Benefit Company. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, this provides protection for the members and management committee, allows the Hub to deliver business services and employ staff, while committing to its ethos of assets being used for benefit of the community.

Identifying the best model for your community project is important. Advice is available from organisations including HIE, and the Community Ownership Supports Service.

Funding

GURCA was awarded £88,225 from the Scottish Land Fund for the purchase the local tourist information office.

With the help of Community Shares Scotland, Loch Ness Hub set up and raised £110,000 with a community share offer. All those who buy shares automatically become voting members of the Society. 

SSE has supported the project through its Highland Sustainable Development Fund.

Local Energy Scotland has provided funding for green energy installation, including the Air Source Heat pump and solar energy, through the CARES funding.

HIE has supported various aspects of the project, including building upgrade work and the e-bike project, with a Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure capital investment.