Countryside Exchange – Ardgour, Scotland

INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE

ARDGOUR, SCOTLAND

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE EXCHANGE

Introduction

Ardgour is a remote, mountainous area of the Western Highlands separated from the popular destination of Fort William by a sea loch. There are poor road links, supplemented by a foot ferry from Fort William, and a car ferry at Corran to the south. Most of the population live on the coastal strip in three main communities, which sustain some local services . The study area supports a wide variety of natural habitats, including one SSSI. It is largely untouched, with shooting/ fishing and walking making the most impact in these areas.

Observations

The realities of the existing transport links hinder access to and from Ardgour
The land use patterns and community structure of crofting, estates, farms, villages, forestry plots, and grazing lands have been gracefully retained in Ardgour
There is a need for a sensitive and holistic approach to business and economic development to maximise natural and human resources while respecting the environment and culture of Ardgour

Guiding Principles

The key principles which should guide future actions are those of sustainable development:
Conservation of the exceptional landscapes and wildlife habitats
The need to respect and include the views of all those who live and work in Ardgour
The need for sensitive tourism and recreation
The importance of the local economy
The influence of external factors
The need to acknowledge work already being done

Key Issues

Identifying actions to sustain and enhance the positive and unique aspects of life in Ardgour.

Encouraging local sustainable development
Assisting community capacity building, local involvement, local action
Preservation and celebration of Cultural Heritage
Maintenance and improvement of the natural environment.

Identifying actions to combat and minimise the negative factors affecting life in Ardgour.

Possible solutions to the constraints of geography
Provision of information on environmental impacts

Recommendations

Sensitive Tourism

Support for tourism in the Highlands is well established and contributes to the continued economic viability of the Ardgour community. There may be opportunities to focus support to the Ardgour area. ÔGreenÕ tourism can provide quality experiences for tourists while maintaining the character and health of Ardgour
There are many opportunities for the development of sensitive tourism activities/initiatives to increase visitation in a responsible manner as determined by the community. The peace and tranquility of the area and its relatively easy access to Ben Nevis etc. could be a strong market attraction to both wilderness walkers and family cycling groups
Infrastructure is an important element of product development
A major draw for green tourism is the areaÕs wildlife
Tourism supports the craft work done by residents of Ardgour and nearby communities
Ardgour tends to be overlooked by the main tourist marketing agencies because of its proximity to Fort William
Care needs to be taken to direct visitor pressure away from sensitive areas
Product development must be supported by appropriate training
Ardgour needs recognition via place name marketing
Local people and visitors alike need information and interpretation on ArdgourÕs rich cultural identity.

Economic Development

While tourism is the main economic driver in the area, the other business sectors require encouragement and support
There is an opportunity to market ArdgourÕs cattle and sheep products etc, as healthy and wholesome
Primary production industries here need to market their products aggressively on quality, and require a partnership approach with those secondary processors in other parts of the supply chain
All the crofts provide supplementary incomes, and are struggling to survive. The option to establish co-operatives should be investigated
Expand market reach and explore new markets
Distance and transport are major limiting factors to sustaining the areaÕs economy. Remote infrastructure with an emphasis on IT is the way forward

Education for All

The University of the Highlands and Islands initiative offers many opportunities to support Ardgour in jobs, quality of life,and training. IT connection to the system allows residents to stay in the area while studying, brings in students, and increases training opportunities
Ardgour is an important site for cultural studies and marine research
Training is an important need, and requires IT support for distance learning
Isolation brings particular problems for the areaÕs youth, who require further support
Ardgour residents need to be involved in the planning of new educational facilities

Integrated Transportation

Reliable and integrated transport services are key factors ensuring that Ardgour retains its character, and meets local needs
Alternative approaches to ferry services and pricing may ease current pressures
Traffic management could be improved
Explore cross-industry transportation links

Conserving the Environment

Protection of the environment is the foundation for tourism, quality of life, and other economic activity, and its maintenance and sustainability is recognised as a high priority
Land fill tax revenue is one source of income for conservation work
Existing landfill operations should continue to be monitored
Ardgour can benefit from accessing existing environmental programs and initiatives

The Future

The local organising committee believe that the way forward will be accelerated by making copies of the Exchange report common currency throughout the community. The Community Council will become the clearing house for local comment and suggestion, facilitating and co-ordinating the community in the creation of a prioritised action plan, showing local group involvement, as well as how to proceed. This plan will also show which agencies are likely to be the best implementation partners for each project. The last step before implementation begins will be a final meeting of the local organising committee, to overview the plans and to commit agencies to support, advice and funding.

The Team

David Archibald, Cookstown District Council (UK)
Bryce Luchterhand, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
Amanda Curnow, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council (UK)
Jim Serfis, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Huw Davies, Forestry Commission (UK)
Oliver Sherratt, Hartlepool Borough Council (UK)
Elizabeth Fischer, U.S Department of Transportation
N. Jill Vandal, The Tourism Company (CAN)

Where to find out more: Local organiser – Hugh Allison The Highland Council Mamore House The Parade Fort William PH33 6BA Tel: 01397-702102 Fax: 01397-702107

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