Loch Ness Hub

Asset Transfer and Enterprising Plans
The Development Trust recognised the importance of the site for its tourist information services and the key amenities of car parking and public toilets. It also provided an ideal base for community transport services which would provide more convenient, greener travel options for both locals and visitors. Assisted by the Community Ownership Support Service (COSS), part Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS), the Development Trust successfully completed a community asset transfer – allowing the community to take ownership of the building.

Sustainable business
Once ownership of the building was secured, the community knew they needed to establish a successful enterprise to ensure long term success. Alongside running the visitor information services and facilities, there was also an opportunity to operates a baggage transfer service – where hikers on nearby walking trails have their luggage portered between stops.

The Trust registered a Community Benefit Society – called Loch Ness Hub – to run the business. The governing documents of Loch Ness Hub includes a formal link between it and the Trust. Both organisations work in synergy and are community owned and run.

Community share offer success
To fund the development of the Loch Ness Hub enterprise, a community share offer was launched in September 2020 with a pitch perfect campaign even during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic. This enabled the group to raise their target of £110,000 in community shares. Other funding from Scottish and Southern Energy and local development charity Soirbheas meant the project was now fully funded and could go full steam ahead.

“Loch Ness Hub are incredibly grateful for the support they received from DTAS and their community shares programme…and most importantly, the Glen Urquhart community, who were incredibly generous in their support of our share offer”

Russell Fraser, Manager of the Loch Ness Hub