Discovering the Loch Ness Hub

The Hub is a community benefit company - what does this mean?

Loch Ness Hub was developed following a community consultation process, conducted by Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (GURCA), after Visit Scotland announced the closure of our local Tourist Information Centre. The community voted to retain what was felt to be a vital asset for the area. With support from local enterprise company, Soirbheas, we gained funding from The Scottish Land Fund and SSE to secure the building purchase, including public toilets, from the owners, the Highland Council.

To make the project viable, we had to demonstrate a sustainable business plan. This involved the purchase of an existing business, Loch Ness Travel (LNT) baggage and people transfers. Being a community benefit company allowed us to offer shares in Loch Ness Hub Ltd, with 75% of investors having to come from the local community council area of Glen Urquhart. We were delighted with the support received that meant we reached our top target of 110K, allowing us to purchase LNT, with no additional loans. LNT will provide the vital income revenue allowing us to be profitable and in time, invest profits back into the community via our anchor shareholder, GURCA. We do not believe we are the first of this type, but we are a leading example as far as the Highlands is concerned.

Our theme for May is “Wild Scotland” and Inverness certainly offers this. Do you hope to attract locals or international tourists and how does the Hub add to the draw of the area?

There is no animal on this planet “wilder” than Nessie, some even speculate her mere existence! We are lucky to have world renowned ambassadors in our Glen, with the likes of Mr Loch Ness himself, Willie Cameron, amongst many others who have been promoting our area for decades as more than a monster. As we lie on the crossroads of the Great Glen Way and Affric Kintail way, we are perfectly positioned for both locals and overseas visitors alike to come and explore our Glen. The Hub will be encouraging slower and more authentic tourism, by way of engaging with visitors and passing them information on our heritage and culture, as well as the beauty that surrounds them during their stay.

One of your main initiatives is the Transport Hub project. What was the motivation for this?

As I mentioned previously, our partnership with Soirbheas, has seen us develop much more than just a visitor information centre. Soirbheas carried out a local Transport survey that highlighted the needs of the community. We have E-bikes and bike maintenance sessions becoming available for the community as well as working towards further community transport, walking buses and health walks, to name a few. We want the community to feel a part of the Hub and take a sense of ownership with it, it is after all, theirs.

After 20 years of self-employment, what inspired you to take up the opportunity at Loch Ness Hub?

The community of Glen Urquhart runs through my veins and I believe I am lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Having the opportunity to welcome others to the area and work for a company that is community driven, felt like the perfect fit. I hope that when people visit Glen Urquhart, the first thing they want to do when they leave, is plan to return.

As we continue our journey out of lockdown, what are you looking forward to most about welcoming people to Loch Ness?

Welcoming visitors into our shiny new Hub, of course! Having visitors cut off from visiting has taken away the beating heart of our village. The one thing I look forward to most is meeting people from all walks of life, it is what makes life interesting. The village vibrancy returning will be fabulous and as they say around Loch Ness, “Tourism is everyone’s business”.

I noticed your involvement in the Glen Urquhart Shinty Club - can you tell us more about the unique game?

My Grandfather helped to resurrect the Shinty Club after the 2^nd world war and my family have been involved ever since. As children in Glen Urquhart, we were born with Shinty Sticks in our hands. Shinty is a highly skilled ball and stick sport that is sometimes described as hockey without rules. It is much more refined than that and is a sport that you never stop improving at. Played predominantly in the Highlands and Argyll & Bute area and described as Scotland’s true national sport, it has grown in popularity and is now played as far afield as New Zealand and The U.S.A.

You are also quoted as “a leading light in making the Glen Urquhart Highland Gathering and Games” - we do love a good Highland Games and have attended them in Scotland and USA & Canada. What makes the Glen Urquhart Games special and what are your favourite elements?

The Highland Games are the highlight of the local calendar year and always bring a feel good factor. What makes our Games special, is that they are run purely by volunteers, which gives the event it’s friendly atmosphere, in a truly unique setting lying in the heart of the Great Glen on the shores of Loch Ness.

Back in January, we celebrated Clan Fraser as our clan of the month. Having spent most of your life in Glen Urquhart, have you always celebrated your Scottish roots and culture?

Another party I missed?! My family have been in Glen Urquhart for generations, so pride in my roots comes with the territory. With my mother’s maiden name also being, Fraser, (no relation), allows me the luxury of choosing whichever side of the Fraser Clan suits me best!

The Frasers are a widely celebrated clan all over the world and they boast a range of wonderful tartans. Do you have a favourite tartan which is closely associated with your family?

I have always worn Ancient Hunting Fraser, but I do like the Dress Red just as much. I am just about managing to still squeeze into the Kilt I was given for my 21^st birthday!

Are you a kilt or a trews man?

How dare you even ask?! 😉 Only Doddie Weir, looks good in trews! In 1999 I was lucky enough to spend a year working and travelling in Australia, and I am proud to say that I took my kilt with me.

And finally, we couldn’t talk about Loch Ness without mentioning the famous Loch Ness monster, Nessie. How much do you know about the existence and more importantly, has she been seen recently?

Ah Nessie, our darling…surprisingly, she has been seen more in the last 6 month period, than in any similar previous time frames. Her existence is beyond doubt, but she is the world leader, as far as isolating goes. I am hoping she will resurface in June, in time for us opening the new Loch Ness Hub and give all our visitors a sighting of her.

I’d like to thank Scotland Shop for giving me and Loch Ness Hub the opportunity to feature in your Wild Scotland articles. If anyone is visiting Drumnadrochit or even passing through, please pop in and say hello to us in the Main Car Park, I can’t promise I will have my kilt on, but I will offer a warm Highland Welcome to everyone.