A popular stopping point for coaches in the Scottish Highlands is hoping to attract yet more visitors to call by after adding a new viewpoint of the ‘Bonnie Banks’ landscape.‘An Ceann Mòr’ – roughly translated from Gaelic, meaning ‘large headland’ – is an architecturally designed viewpoint at Inveruglas on the banks of Loch Lomond. It was revealed on May 13 by Richard Lochead MSP. The viewpoint is an eight metre (26 foot) high, pyramid-shaped structure and is the fourth and final installation in a pilot project for Scottish Scenic Routes – a Scottish Government initiative.
‘An Ceann Mòr’ ’has been designed to the highest standards of accessibility including an all-abilities path from the car park, which is already a popular stopping point for coaches. ‘An Ceann Mòr’ was designed by Daniel Bar, Stephane Toussaint and Sean Edwards who formed BTE Architects after winning the architectural competition. The striking structure is clad in sustainable timber which will, over time, fade to a silver-grey to blend in with the landscape. At almost eight metres high and with 31 steps, the landmark offers elevated views of the landscape – or for those with limited mobility – a tunnel through the centre of the pyramid opens up to reveal the same stunning vista. The viewpoint provides tiered seating at high level, so visitor can take in the wonderful views in comfort and a high powered telescope has been installed at the top.
“It is a privilege to unveil the ‘An Ceann Mòr’; it is a truly spectacular structure that will impress locals and visitors alike,” Mr Lochead said. “The Scottish Scenic Routes initiative was developed by the Scottish Government to encourage people to look at Scotland’s stunning landscape in an alternative way; to give a new perspective on well-known views. I think the four installations in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park do just that
The concept of Scottish Scenic Routes was inspired by a similar programme in Norway, which has helped visitors appreciate long-established viewpoints in new ways. The next phase of Scottish Scenic Routes is already underway in Cairngorms National Park and at sites across Scotland identified by Scottish Canals.
INFO
For more information on Scottish Scenic Routes visit: www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/scenicroutes.
