Public consultation announced for Killearn beauty spot Finnich Glen

Architects, planners and the local farmer will meet with members of the public today to discuss plans to create a tourist hub at one of Scotland’s most popular beauty spots.

Bell Ingram’s plans for Finnich Glen in Stirlingshire will see the creation of a 150-space car park with room for five coaches as well as a visitor centre and shop.

The proposals would make surrounding roads safer by removing the need to abandon cars on country roads while new a new viewing platform would ensure visitors can sample the stunning outlook in safety.

New barriers footpaths and bridges will make visiting the site safer and reduce environmental damage while improving the overall experience.

Finnich Glen’s popularity has soared following its use as a filming location for a number of features including Taggart, King Arthur and most recently Outlander, with over 70,000 visitors a year flocking to the area to see where some of the famous scenes were shot.

The Perth-headquartered firm is now keen to understand the views and opinions of the local community and key stakeholders early in the design process.

Iain Cram, Director of Bell Ingram Design, said: “It’s a truly stunning site of natural beauty and since its use in Outlander, visitor numbers have sky-rocketed, with people travelling from across America and Europe.

“We believe our plans will make the area much safer while improving the site logistically.

“The road as it is can’t cope, with people parking up nearby on country lanes which brings with it a raft of safety issues. Neighbouring fields are being ruined with people using wire cutters to gain access through fences.

“Mountain rescue has also seen a spike in the number of call-outs as people get stuck in the Glen. It’s only a matter of time before there’s a serious accident.

“We are really looking forward to engaging with locals and key stakeholders to help shape our work at this exciting site.”

The public event follows the submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) in which Bell Ingram notified Stirling Council’s planning department of its proposals.

The consultation event takes place at Kilearn Church Hall on 28 September between 3pm and 8pm.

The local farmer David Young, who has worked the land his whole life, said: “We are concerned about the safety of the local community and visitors to Finnich Glen along with the deterioration of this world-renowned site of natural beauty.

“We have a responsibility to ensure the land can be kept in good condition so that people can enjoy it for many years to come while also ensuring they can do so in safety.

“We are confident that Bell Ingram’s plans will achieve this and are excited about the potential benefits for tourism and employment in our local area.”

The proposals would see the creation of a number of jobs in the area at the new visitor centre and shop.

Stirling Council Roads Officials and local Councillors are keen to alleviate road safety issues in the area.