Latest news with #ScottishHighlands
Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
How a theme park became the most unpopular project in Scottish history
From the station at Balloch where the train from Glasgow terminates, it's a short stroll through delightful woodland to the famous 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond, Scotland. Yet during the walk, Lynne Somerville becomes more and more agitated. 'This,' she points out as a family walks past with a toddler in a pushchair, 'is where the monorail would run.' 'Here,' she says as two dog walkers amble by, 'are the trees that would be cut down to make room for the lodges.' Where the woods end abruptly, a beach overlooks one of Scotland's finest and most recognisable panoramas: the vast expanse of the loch, stretching northwards to the towering peak of Ben Lomond. Fringed with hills as far as the eye can see, the water is dotted with kayakers, paddle-boarders, yachts berthed at a distant marina and cruise boats carrying tourists. 'And this,' Somerville explains, 'is where they want to build the hotel and water park. 'This place, this view... It's a national treasure. What they're planning here is just an act of vandalism.' Her anger is directed at a divisive proposal by theme park operator Flamingo Land to build a holiday resort on the southern shores of Loch Lomond. Known as Lomond Banks, the project has been described as 'the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history', after a petition against it gathered more than 155,000 signatures. While it is only the latest attempt by business to capitalise on Loch Lomond's enduring appeal – the area has drawn mass tourism for more than 200 years – it is certainly the most controversial. Planning permission was denied last year after the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority ruled the resort was incompatible with environmental and conservation policies. But last month, a planning official appointed by the Scottish Government overruled that decision and granted the resort provisional approval. Objectors – including Somerville, who lives nearby and sits on the local community council – are outraged, and are stepping up their campaign to block the development through political pressure and even the threat of legal action. Inevitably, though, Lomond Banks also has supporters – who believe the £40 million project will deliver a much-needed boost to tourism, create jobs and attract investment. With a final decision expected later this year, both sides have shared with The Telegraph their strong views on the subject – sparking a debate not only about Loch Lomond but also about the role of national parks and, more broadly, about how to manage development in Britain's scenic areas in a way that balances the often-competing aims of conservation and economic growth, the needs of local residents and the demands of visitors. Billed as a 'world-class family tourism destination', Lomond Banks is being proposed by Flamingo Land, which also runs a theme park and zoo in North Yorkshire named after the brightly coloured birds that were introduced to the site when it opened in the 1950s. After initial plans in 2018 were met with strong opposition, the company submitted new proposals in 2020 for a 'resort village' featuring a 60-room hotel, budget hostel with 32 beds and 100 self-catering holiday lodges. The proposed resort would include a swimming pool, water park and spa, along with restaurants, a café, craft brewery and beer hall, plus picnic and barbecue areas – all connected by a monorail. It is set to be built in the village of Balloch, long regarded as the gateway to Loch Lomond. Tourists first began flocking to the area in the 18th century, drawn by the romantic allure of Highland scenery. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it had become a popular escape for Glaswegians seeking respite from the city's industrial smog – just 25 miles away. Fittingly, the proposed development would sit beside a striking symbol of tourism's evolution: the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer. In its 1950s heyday, the vessel carried up to 1,000 visitors at a time across the loch. Now retired and resting at the water's edge, it awaits long-promised restoration. At present, the main draw in Balloch is the Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre, opened in 2002. It features a viewing platform, aquarium, shopping mall with cafés, outdoor clothing stores, gift shops and a small branch of Frasers – all set beside a sprawling car park. The new resort would straddle this existing hub, with one half built in the wooded West Riverside area between the train station and the loch, and the other in the grounds of the ruined Woodbank House. The mansion would be restored to provide self-catering accommodation, surrounded by a cluster of holiday lodges. Flamingo Land insists the resort would 'reflect its beautiful natural surroundings' and 'complement the scenic landscape'. But the Balloch and Haldane community council argues the development would undermine the very qualities that draw visitors to the area. Somerville explains: 'The company is trying to profit from selling Bonnie Scotland to the tourists. People have always come here for the scenery, to get away from the city and to enjoy nature and fresh air. But these plans would mean losing the essence of the place, destroying its character. 'Loch Lomond has a national identity – but that would be lost for ever, for the sake of a development that won't create value for local people and would buckle the area's infrastructure.' The community council has warned the resort would make life a 'living hell' for locals, citing a dramatic rise in traffic and fears it would siphon trade away from existing hotels and restaurants. Somerville adds: 'The resort is just too big. If it went ahead, it would completely swamp the village.' Not all residents are firmly opposed. Some, like Debbie Savage – who runs a fitness business and walks her dog, Ruby, in the woods – remain undecided. She says: 'There's a danger the area could be ruined if the development is too commercial or done in a way that isn't sensitive. I understand the need for investment, but it has to be done in a way that is mindful of local residents.' Some, however, are firmly in favour – including Neil Mayles, who runs a business selling boats and marine equipment. He says: 'The national park authority hasn't always been the friend of business and enterprise, so something is desperately needed in the area to bring employment and investment. The planned resort would bring nothing but benefits.' The developers are keen to emphasise that Lomond Banks would create hundreds of local jobs during construction, followed by 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal roles once the resort opens. In overturning the national park authority's decision to reject the plans, the Scottish Government's planning reporter also concluded that the project could deliver 'locally significant' benefits in terms of employment and economic growth. The company argues that those opposed to the development represent only a 'vocal minority'. Jim Paterson, the project's development director, says: 'Our vision to bring about plans that create economic growth, investment, jobs and an infrastructure that will benefit the local community and beyond, is unwavering. 'The reality is that Lomond Banks has undergone extensive scrutiny. Following an independent and detailed review, the Government's planning reporter has issued a notice of intention to recommend our proposals for approval, recognising that they align with planning policy and will deliver significant public benefits. These include the restoration of the historic Woodbank House ruin, enhancements to biodiversity, and much-needed economic regeneration.' Paterson insists the resort would encroach on just 280 metres of Loch Lomond's 153km shoreline, and says it would be 'sympathetically designed to reflect the scale, character and natural beauty of the area'. Even so, fallout from the reporter's provisional approval continues. The National Park authority has described the decision as 'deeply disappointing' and says it stands by its original reasons for rejecting the plan. The Scottish Government, meanwhile, has declined to comment, stating only that the decision was made on its behalf by an independent planning expert. Opponents have been far more outspoken. The Scottish Green Party has urged the SNP Government to 'put the natural environment ahead of corporate profit' and reconsider the ruling, while the local community council remains resolute in its campaign to block Lomond Banks. Somerville adds: 'What's happened is grossly undemocratic. What's the point of having a national park authority with planning powers if the Government simply overrules it? As far as we're concerned, the future of one of Scotland's most beautiful places is at stake. This resort mustn't be allowed to go ahead.'
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The International Wine & Spirit Competition
Glencairn whiskey tasting cups with a Scotch whisky barrel in the background. The International Wine and Spirit Competition is the world's largest and oldest spirits competition. It is also among the most extensive judgings of Scotch whisky globally. The IWSC has just released its 2025 Scotch whisky judging results. Below are backgrounds and tasting notes on the seven contenders for the coveted Scotch Whisky Trophy. The winner will be announced on November 12 at the IWSC Gala in London. The Loch Lomond Distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, is renowned for its innovative approaches to whisky production. The distillery utilizes swan-necked and its unique, patented "straight-necked" pot stills to craft a diverse range of whiskies, from delicate, fruity expressions to richer, more complex drams. The 16 YO Waypoint Series Falls Of Falloch Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of Loch Lomond's Waypoint Series, a collection designed to showcase the versatility and depth of their whiskies. This expression is aged for 16 years in ex-bourbon oak casks and undergoes a cask finish to enhance its complexity and depth. The "Falls Of Falloch" branding evokes the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond area and symbolizes the purity of the waters used in production. The whisky is floral and fruity on the nose, featuring sweet honey, dried stone, and dark fruit notes of apricot and fig, accompanied by subtle vanilla, a herbaceous, freshly cut grass element, and seasoned oak aromas. On the palate, the whisky is smooth and creamy, balancing sweetness with a mild spiciness. It showcases caramel, citrus zest, cooked cereal/malted barley, nutmeg, and seasoned oak. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of honey, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. The oak influence fades gracefully, leaving a dry, slightly nutty aftertaste. Also from Loch Lomond Distillery, the 18-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky offers a remarkable exploration of their peated expressions. Unlike many Highland distilleries, Loch Lomond employs a unique malting process that combines peat and clean air to dry the barley. This resulting whisky expresses a subtler peatiness than its Islay counterparts while still presenting a distinctive smoky character. This expression showcases the distillery's mastery in creating complex, layered whiskies. It's aged for 18 years in a combination of American and European oak casks, imparting an array of flavors and textures that complement its distinctive peatiness. The nose features delicate notes of cold smoke, surrounded by honey, dried fruit notes of raisins and dates, cooked cereal, baked croissant, vanilla, toasted almonds, seasoned oak, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The whisky is complex and layered on the palate, with a pervasive smokiness and earthy peat quality, showcasing cooked cereal, sweet malt, barley sugar, caramel, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and a hint of candied orange zest. The peat has a slight medicinal quality, evoking iodine, fresh seaweed, and sea air, but it is well-integrated with the more subtle flavors. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering smoke, a slight savoriness, hints of vanilla custard, and a touch of dried herbs. Glass of Scotch single malt whisky with ice on a whisky barrel. Benriach Distillery, established in 1898 in the heart of Speyside, is renowned for its rich history of producing a diverse range of single malts, from peated to unpeated expressions. The distillery has consistently embraced experimentation, particularly with its cask maturation techniques. The Benriach 2013 Vintage Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt showcases the distillery's expertise in working with different types of sherry casks. This expression is part of Benriach's ongoing exploration of cask finishing, utilizing a combination of American oak, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. The three different types of sherry casks impart rich layers of fruit, spice, and oak, providing complexity and depth, as each cask type imparts a distinct influence. The nose features an unmistakable Sherry influence, exhibiting aromas of dried fruit, including raisins, figs, and dark cherries. The Oloroso cask imparts a rich, nutty character, while the Pedro Ximénez cask adds a syrupy sweetness of toffee and molasses. There are additional notes of orange zest, oak spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of clove, as well as a delicate layer of honey and vanilla sweetness from the American oak cask. The whisky is full-bodied and smooth on the palate, with a pronounced mouthfeel that showcases dried apricots, plums, and dark chocolate, complemented by cinnamon, ginger, and toasted almonds. As the whisky opens, a subtle oak influence provides structure, adding hints of old wood and a touch of leather. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering notes of sherry, dried fruits, and cocoa, and a slightly dry aftertaste. A'glac Charrann is an exceptional single malt whisky originally produced at the, now shuttered, Imperial Distillery. Secret Speyside is a specialty bottler that seeks out rare and unusual single malts. The name "A'glac Charrann" refers to the deep, rich traditions of Speyside whisky-making. The whisky was matured over nearly three decades in ex-bourbon casks of American oak. The nose features floral notes of heather and Scottish wildflowers, complemented by dried fruit aromas of apricot and golden raisins, as well as honey, almond, citrus zest, and vanilla cream. A touch of cocoa, subtle spices, and toasted oak add complexity. The whisky is robust and smooth on the palate, showcasing candied oranges, dried fruits, dark chocolate, toasted almonds, wood spices, and a subtle layer of seasoned oak. The whisky is creamy and full-bodied, balancing sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The finish is long, with lingering notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and toffee, slowly fading into a dry, slightly bitter aftertaste. Glenfiddich, one of the most iconic distilleries in Speyside, was founded in 1887 by William Grant and is still family-owned. The distillery is renowned for producing premium single malt whiskies that are globally recognized. This whisky was matured in American and European oak casks. The whisky is rich and complex on the nose, showcasing dried fruit notes of apricots, figs, and raisins, intertwined with honey, vanilla cream, citrus zest, and seasoned oak. Subtle notes of toasted almonds and marzipan add a sweet, nutty complexity. On the palate, the whisky is full-bodied and smooth, balancing sweetness and spice. The toffee and caramel flavors are complemented by dried apricots, dark cherries, and hints of toasted oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with a touch of dark chocolate. The whisky has a smooth, creamy, mouth-coating texture and a noticeable weight. The finish is long and layered, with lingering flavors of dried fruit, oak, and spice. Rosebank Distillery, once known for producing elegant and floral single malts in the Lowlands, has a storied history dating back to the 19th century. Known for its unpeated whiskies, Rosebank was celebrated for its delicate and refined flavor profiles. The distillery closed in 1993 but was revived in the early 2000s and is now operational again. The Legacy Release Three 32 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky honors the original distillery's style, showcasing a refined elegance, floral complexity, and a layered flavor profile. The whisky was matured in refill oak casks, allowing the spirit to develop its signature subtle, floral profile over time. The whisky is floral and aromatic on the nose, showcasing a bouquet of heather, honeysuckle, and violets, complemented by vanilla, creamy butterscotch, and a hint of ripe apple and pear. A subtle touch of oak lends depth, accompanied by whispers of marzipan, lightly toasted almonds, and candied orange and lemon zest. The whisky is smooth and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing sweet and floral notes, accompanied by fruity notes of ripe apples, peaches, and pears, as well as cinnamon and ginger spices, vanilla, and a hint of creamy honey. A soft, nutty undertone of almonds, a hint of white chocolate, and subtle oak notes add complexity. The finish is long and complex, with lingering floral and fruity notes and a gentle sweetness from the vanilla and honey leading to a delicate oak dryness. A seventh Gold Outstanding, yet-to-be-released expression from Ardbeg is still under embargo and will be disclosed later in the year. These six single malt Scotch whiskies are outstanding. They represent a mix of historic, revitalized, and new distilleries, all of which are shaping and expanding the aroma and taste profile of single malt Scotch whisky. It also highlights the remarkable resurgence of Loch Lomond, a distillery that has become one of the leading stars in Scotland's whisky industry. If you love Scotch whisky, you owe it to yourself to try every one of these expressions.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Body found in water in search for missing hiker, 65, who vanished on 'Britain's toughest walk' in the Scottish Highlands
A body has been found in the search for a hiker who disappeared while on 'Britain's toughest walk' in the Scottish Highlands. Bernard Trottet, 65, disappeared while traversing across the Cape Wrath path. He was last seen in Corryhully Bothy in Glenfinnan on Tuesday May 27. Scottish cops said the Swiss hiker was planning to walk north to Kinloch Hourn before heading to a campsite in the Morvich area, but he failed to arrive. Following a multi-day search, the force later said a body was found in the water in the Kinloch Hourn area just before 1pm on Monday. Police Scotland said: 'Formal identification has yet to take place, however, the family of Bernard Trottet, who was reported missing in the area, has been informed.' It added that it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance, and that a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, Scotland's public prosecution service. The Cape Wrath Trail is a 200-mile route the cuts through the Scottish Highlands and the West Coast of Scotland. It is considered one of the the toughest long distance walks in the UK. The difficulty of the route lies in it being completely unmarked, and running through extremely wild and rugged terrain. The trail is unlike other, prepared and marked routes that walkers can follow with ease. Instead, many parts of the route are pathless, meaning that a high level of navigational skill is required to attempt it. On top of this, there are also several unbridged river crossings that can be dangerous in the wrong circumstances.
Sky News
2 days ago
- General
- Sky News
Bernard Trottet: Body found in search for Swiss hiker missing in Scottish Highlands
A body has been found in the search for a Swiss hiker missing in the Scottish Highlands. Bernard Trottet, 65, disappeared while walking the Cape Wrath Trail. He was last known to be at Corryhully Bothy in Glenfinnan on Tuesday 27 May. Police Scotland said he was planning to walk north to Kinloch Hourn and then on to a campsite in the Morvich area but failed to arrive. The force said a body was found in the water in the Kinlock Hourn area around 12.55pm on Monday. It said: "Formal identification has yet to take place, however, the family of Bernard Trottet, who was reported missing in the area, has been informed." There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, police added. The Cape Wrath Trail is a hiking route that runs around 200 miles through the Scottish Highlands and the west coast of Scotland. It is considered one of the most challenging long-distance walks in the UK. Police have been searching for Mr Trottet, with assistance from air support and mountain rescue teams.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Daley says getting to know people on Celebrity Traitors felt ‘very intense'
Retired diver Tom Daley has opened up about his time filming The Celebrity Traitors and said he got to know his fellow contestants on a 'much deeper' and 'very intense level' as they were all shut off from the world. The forthcoming BBC show, a charity spin-off of The Traitors, will see 19 famous faces – who include comedian Alan Carr and actor and broadcaster Sir Stephen Fry – gather in the Scottish Highlands for the 'ultimate game of deceit and betrayal'. Speaking about The Celebrity Traitors at a special screening for his new documentary, the Olympian told the PA news agency: 'I'm not sure when it comes out, maybe later this year, but it was a very fun experience. 'And honestly, all I want to do is talk about it, but I'm not allowed. 'All I can say is, it was very fun – the cast and meeting the other people. 'It was great to see everybody and get to know everyone on a much deeper level, and very intense level, because you're completely shut off from the rest of the world. So yeah, it was fun.' Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing's Claudia Winkleman, the nine-part celebrity version, airing in the autumn, will give contestants the chance to win a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice. Daley, 31, also appears in the new Discovery+ documentary, Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds, which features personal family films and candid interviews with the athlete and those closest to him, including his husband, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black. The 90-minute documentary, the name of which references the time between platform exit and pool entry, charts Daley's career, from the build-up to his first Olympics in Beijing 2008 to post-retirement life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by discovery+ UK (@discoveryplusuk) He told PA: 'This documentary is a very vulnerable side to me, like diving into topics that I may not have talked about in such depth before, and it might give people a different perspective of what was actually going on versus what they saw in the media. 'Because growing up is already kind of pretty tough, but then growing up under media scrutiny and having people already having a conception of who you are and how you should deal with things was pretty challenging. 'But then also diving into the archival footage that my dad had seen. For me, it's like hearing my dad's voice that really makes me quite emotional in the documentary. 'I just feel very grateful that I do have this documentary to be able to look back on, and for my kids to be able to see and have those moments kind of made eternal, if you like, with my dad and myself.' Daley's father died from cancer in 2011, meaning he missed seeing the diver secure his first Olympic medal, a bronze, at the London Games in 2012. The diver, who secured his fifth Olympic medal in 2024, announced his retirement from diving following the Paris Games. – Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds premieres on Discovery+ in the UK and Ireland on June 1.
