NTS Interpretive Design Service at Corrieshalloch Gorge

Tender description

The Trust’s Corrieshalloch Gorge is in the northwest Highlands at Braemore junction about twenty miles south of Ullapool. A National Nature Reserve, it is of national significance as a geological feature. Since 1874, visitors have been able to experience the dramatic gorge from a suspension bridge constructed by the engineer Sir John Fowler, owner of the Braemore Estate and best known for his role as consulting engineer for the Forth Rail Bridge. Although not a destination attraction, Corrieshalloch Gorge receives over 80,000 visitors per year in part due to its convenient location on key tourist routes through the Highlands, most notably the North Coast 500. The site currently has no facilities to accommodate these visitors, lacking an adequate car park, toilets or other amenities. In line with other sites in the Highlands, problems arising from the lack of proper facilities became more acute because of rising numbers of domestic visitors as result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recognising this, the Trust has initiated a three-phase project to create a formal car park, toilet facilities, catering and supporting infrastructure. This will create improved access to the site and offers opportunities for updated and additional interpretation. In future, accessible pathways will lead from the visitor centre to Fowler’s bridge, opening new areas of the site for visitors. In the second phase, additional pathways and a second bridge will allow visitors to complete a circuit around the site and appreciate Corrieshalloch Gorge from multiple perspectives. Lot 1: Phase 1 Signage and Welcome Notices Phase 1 Essential to be in place when the new facilities open in late 2022: - Directional signage - Orientation / “support our charity” messaging in the welcome shelter - Any integrated interpretation, for example in the fencing to be installed at the new viewing area - Welcome signage, perhaps on the large timber slatted façade of the outdoor seating area, which is the first thing drivers will see entering the site and walkers will see on arrival/return from the gorge walk. Lot 2: Phase 2 & 3 Detailed Interpretation along route of Footpath Phase 2 More detailed interpretation, perhaps developed in partnership with other groups such as NW Highlands Geopark, for installation prior to Easter 2023. Phase 3 Integrated interpretation along the route of the new path, for example in seating, to be informed by visitor’s use of the path during the first year of opening. To be installed over autumn/winter 2023/24.