Revamp hopes for Balintore harbour
A COLD store for local fisherman and the restoration of public toilets are among plans for the regeneration of the harbour front at Balintore.
The dilapidated toilets will be the subject of an application for funding to the Scottish Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund and finance has already been secured for the container unit for fishermen.
Maureen Ross, a director of the Seaboard Community Hall said they secured ownership of the toilets through a community asset transfer last year when Highland Council announced they were going to close the facility.
“We stepped in because we don’t want to lose infrastructure which is badly needed at the harbour,” she said. “We don’t know if we will receive funding but at the moment the toilets are absolutely bogging.
“There’s no disability access and the thought of having no toilets at the harbour is just unacceptable.”
Mrs Ross said the aim is to regenerate the seafront at Balintore, attract more visitors to the area and make the area more efficient for fishermen.
“We see this as a focal point to attract people off the North Coast 500.
“Many visitors who arrive here say what a wonderful coastline we have. It’s just as spectacular as the west coast but we need infrastructure.
“There has been a noticeable increase in tourists touring in caravans and campervans. During the summer months there is a recurring theme appearing in the villages with vans parked-up in three main areas – the Seaboard Centre, Balintore Hotel Inn and Balintore Harbour areas.
“The memorial hall is a superb facility for the community and a place where people can come to enjoy a coffee or a meal during weekdays.
“We have a number of commercial boats operating from the fishing villages of Hilton, Balintore and Shandwick and the new cold store container will be a great asset for them to put their catches of fresh fish and shellfish on ice awaiting the buyer.”
