Community takeover of Cairngorms' Glenmore centre

A visitor centre at a tourist hotspot in the UK's largest national park has been taken over by a community group.

Glenmore Visitor Centre in the Cairngorms National Park is near Loch Morlich - the site of Britain's highest beach - and a few miles from the Cairngorm snowsports resort.

Owner Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has approved a community asset transfer request from Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust (AGCT).

Glenmore, an area of forestry and lochs, has more than a million visitors a year, according to FLS.

AGCT's application was assessed by an independent panel.

The trust already runs a small ice rink in Aviemore.

Chairman Duncan Swarbrick said: “Our commitment is to realise the full potential of the Glenmore Visitor Centre for the benefit of all by celebrating Glenmore’s rich heritage, hosting community events, and working in close partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland to promote responsible tourism and environmental conservation."

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the takeover was expected to bring increased community and public benefits and support sustainable tourism.