Work is underway in Aberfeldy to build new visitor facilities and an information hub in an effort to encourage more people to visit Highland Perthshire.
The welfare hub, which is being built as a joint project by Perth and Kinross Council, Mains of Murthly Farm, and Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT), will be located in the Aberfeldy car park next to Beyond Adventure. The hub will feature accessible, family-friendly activities, and waste disposal facilities for those staying on-site in motorhomes.
Convenor of Perth and Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure, and Economic Development Commitee, Councillor Andrew Parrott, said: “Tourism is vitally important to Perth and Kinross and the new facilities will make visiting Aberfeldy even more attractive to families.
“Highland Perthshire will always be a popular destination, and these will make sure visitors can enjoy their visit, no matter how they travel here.”
The information hub will provide visitors with information about the River Tay Way which allows for long-distance walking and cycling between Kenmore and Perth and even on to Dundee for cyclists. The information available will include details of the route, local visitor attractions, and messages on biodiversity and climate change.
PKCT Trust Director, Peter Quinn, said: “As the River Tay Way walking and cycling routes run south of Aberfeldy past the cemetery and adjoining car park, we recognised the influx of visitors exploring the route will put a strain on local facilities at Beyond Adventure and in the town. This new multi-use, free to use toilet and shower facility will alleviate this visitor pressure on facilities, drive additional tourism and subsequent economic benefit for the community, and promote the River Tay Way and environmental, physical and mental health benefits of active travel.”
The project is being funded by Perth and Kinross Council and Visit Scotland via the Tourism Infrastructure Fund and the Place Based Investment fund and is due to be completed by the 24th of April 2023.
VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, Caroline Warburton, said: “We are pleased to support the development of new visitor facilities and information hub in Aberfeldy through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
“These additional facilities continue to improve the experience for visitors and local communities alike and help alleviate pressure on infrastructure to ensure Aberfeldy remains a popular place to visit and to live.
“Promotion of the new River Tay Way will also help encourage visitors to explore the area on foot and by bike, and spread the benefits of tourism, while helping to protect our famous Highland Perthshire countryside”.
For more information about the River Tay Way, visit http://www.rivertayway.org/