Construction on the expansion of the Stac Pollaidh Car Park in Coigach, Sutherland, began this week.
The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) is managing the two-phase project, designed to improve the experience of the estimated 50,000 annual visitors to Stac Pollaidh.
The development of the car park and toilet facilities comes in response to consistent overcapacity at this very small car park, which has resulted in roadside and passing place parking hindering traffic flow on the single-track access road, local habitat degradation, muddy verges, and litter and fouling issues.
Phase one will expand the 20-space car park, accessed from the single-track road to Achiltibuie off the A835 to Ullapool, to 78 spaces. CR Contracting North Ltd (CRC), which specialises in civil works, trail design and construction and environmental engineering, is carrying out the construction works for phase one. The car park is expected to be fully operational by the end of December 2024, although parking spaces will be limited during construction.
Phase two of the project, which includes building off-grid toilet facilities and a processing plant, is currently undergoing the tender process. OATS expects construction to start early in 2025.
Stac Pollaidh is widely recognised as one of the most popular hills to climb in Scotland with spectacular views down Loch Lurgainn and over to the Coigach peaks, the Assynt hills, and Beinn Dearg, a special place for many hillwalkers and the community. This is why the full consultation process with the community, landowners, the Highland Council and NatureScot undertaken by OATS has been so significant.
Following planning permission, lease and funding agreements and ecological assessment processes that were longer than expected, it was agreed to delay construction until September 2024 to avoid further disruption on the access road during the busiest months for outdoor tourism in the Highlands.
OATS apologises for any potential disruption to the local community, businesses and emergency services caused on the access road to the car park as a direct result of construction.
