Ballachulish battles hotel owners over cycle track destruction

North Argyll Cycling Club said: "The Donkey Hill track builds on other local cycling initiatives such as Active Travel, Bikeability, and connectivity to the National Cycle Network Route 78. Collectively all of these encourage a shift towards healthy lifestyles and net zero goals.

"Eroding cycling infrastructure will undermine this progress, in an area where facilities are limited and distances to similar cycling facilities are a barrier to increased participation amongst children."

The campaign is also supported by the Lochaber Trail association, which said: "In an era where outdoor activity is paramount for mental health,
removing a localized facility without a superior, immediate replacement negatively impacts the resilience of the community.

"The mountain biking community in Lochaber is a passionate and growing demographic. We believe that a solution exists where development can coexist with or even enhance community recreation.”

Local residents have raised concerns that tourists may stop in unsafe locations to photograph Highland cattle, and say there are no clear plans for parking or traffic management despite the anticipated increase in visitors.

The discussion comes at a time when nearby Loch Leven has recently been designated by SEPA as a bathing water site, with residents concerned about potential environmental impacts, including erosion, habitat preservation, and water quality.

Asked if they would enter discussions with the community, a spokesperson for Crieff Hydro Family Hotels failed to respond. 

Responding to questioning on the development plans, the spokesperson said: "We bought land adjacent to the hotel several years ago with the intention of adding to our offering for visitors.

"Last year, a local group approached us about the bike track, and we let them know then that we were exploring alternative uses for the field.

“As a key employer and contributor to the local economy, we’re always considering ways to further invest in our hotels to sustain and grow the business, especially in the face of rising costs felt particularly keenly in our sector.

“We have now decided to use the field for Highland cows, which have been a popular addition at our sister hotels, both for guests and locals.

"While we recognise that part of the land has been used informally by nearby residents, we must fence off the area for the safety of the animals and the public. We gave the local Community Council advance notice.”