Community-Owned Glenmore Visitor Centre
Be Part of Glenmore Visitor Centre’s Exciting New Chapter!
In March 2024, the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust (AGCT) reached a momentous milestone: Forestry and Land Scotland approved our request to purchase the Glenmore Visitor Centre through the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process. This marks the beginning of a new era, as we breathe new life into the Centre, reimagining it as a dynamic space that serves both locals and visitors alike.
With the support of a loan from Social Investment Scotland, we will acquire the Visitor Centre and transform it into a vibrant hub that serves both locals and visitors. Profits generated will be reinvested back into the visitor centre and other community initiatives, ensuring long-term benefits for the Aviemore and Glemore Community.
Key Dates and Milestones in Our Journey
- Community Asset Transfer Application Submitted: January 6, 2024
- Forestry and Land Scotland Issues Positive Decision Notice: March 28, 2024
- Social Investment Scotland Loan Approved: May 15, 2024
- CNPA Climate Adaptation Funding Award: £46,720 for building energy efficiency improvements, July 24, 2024
Upcoming Key Dates
- Formal Offer to Purchase: September 30, 2024
- Transfer of Ownership: November 1, 2024
Below is a link to a Matterport video to enable you to take a virtual tour of the Visitor Centre as it is.
Take a Virtual Walkthrough the Glenmore Visitor Centre as it is Today
Why Your Support Matters
Glenmore Forest Park is at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, a landscape rich in history and natural beauty. By supporting us, you are helping to ensure that our community; Aviemore and Glenmore and the wider Badenoch and Strathspey area—becomes a key stakeholder in how Glenmore is managed and protected for generations to come.
The Visitor Centre plays a vital role in our local tourism economy. Community ownership will ensure that it continues to promote responsible tourism and environmental stewardship while contributing to our community's long-term economic sustainability. This includes the creation of jobs, engagement of local trades and supply chains, and opportunities for the development of our young people.
Our Vision: Transforming the Visitor Centre
We envision a vibrant, engaging Glenmore Visitor Centre that reflects the beauty and significance of Glenmore, the Cairngorms, Aviemore and our surrounding communities. This transformation will create a world-class visitor experience, showcasing the rich history and heritage of the area, and ensuring that the visitor centre remains a cornerstone of local tourism, supporting businesses and fostering sustainable tourism.
We Need Your Support to Bring This Vision to Life
We are turning to you—our community, friends, and supporters—to help us bring our ambitious vision to life. Our goal is to raise £25,000 to kickstart the refurbishment of the visitor centre, focusing on the café & visitor information areas. Your donations will help create a centre that is not only welcoming and vibrant but also sustainable and community-focused.
What Your Support Will Achieve
A New Cafe, Visitor Information, Travel Hub and Exhibition Area
Your donations won’t just fund building renovations—they will help create a space that strengthens community connections, provides a world-class visitor experience, supports local businesses, and promotes responsible tourism
Café Refresh: The café is the cornerstone of the visitor centre, crucial for generating income that will sustain the centre’s operations. The refurbishment will create a warm, welcoming space where visitors and locals can gather. We will offer delicious, homemade treats from local bakers and partner with Glen Lyon Coffee to serve exceptional, ethically sourced coffee.
••Current Internal View of Glenmore Cafe: Our goal is to infuse the space with warmth, personality, and vibrancy, making it a welcoming hub for both locals and visitors.
Seasonal Car Park Attendant: As part of our commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, we plan to introduce a seasonal paid role for a Car Park Attendant(s). This role will provide a warm welcome to visitors, much like the successful approach at Loch an Eilein on the neighbouring Rothiemurchus estate. The attendant will assist visitors in finding appropriate parking, answer questions, and guide them to the Visitor Centre, ensuring they get the most out of their time in Glenmore. This role will also play a key part in promoting responsible behaviour, helping to protect Glenmore’s natural environment.
Visitor Information Area: For many, the Glenmore Visitor Centre is their introduction to the area. Our Visitor Information area will not only assist guests in responsibly planning their hikes, bike rides, and activities in Glenmore but also inspire them to explore all that Aviemore, Badenoch and Strathspey has to offer, supporting local tourism and businesses. Additionally, in collaboration with Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), we will use the visitor information area to promote responsible tourism messaging; on parking, litter disposal, responsible camping, and fire safety which will ensure that visitors are aware of what’s needed to preserve the natural beauty of Glenmore and the wider Cairngorms National Park area.
**”The current visitor information area, we’re excited to update it with the Glenmore Visitor Centre’s new identity and branding. Our goal is to create an inviting and informative space which not only enhances the visitor experience but also encourages guests to explore all that Aviemore and Badenoch and Strathspey has to offer.
Cycle and Public Transport Hub: We plan to transform the Glenmore Visitor Centre into a key cycle and public transport hub, offering secure bike storage, e-bike charging stations, a dedicated bike maintenance area, clear signage, trail maps, and real-time travel information. This hub will make it easier for people to explore Glenmore and the wider area in an environmentally friendly way.
Skills Development: We will work with Glen Lyon Coffee with the aim to expand their Coffee Academy which will offer young people in Badenoch and Strathspey a unique opportunity to gain skills and experience in the coffee industry. Through a mentoring programme, students aged 16 to 24 can learn about speciality coffee, barista skills, and participate in work placements at Glenmore Visitor Centre Cafe and other local cafes. Glen Lyon’s course is designed to encourage young people with no previous experience to develop their confidence and employability skills.
A Space for All: We will create a vibrant community space for local groups and activities. By partnering with organisations like Community ConnXions, we aim to foster intergenerational connections. Imagine local school children enjoying green health walks with seniors, followed by a chat over a warm drink and snack in our café. These shared experiences will help build a stronger, more connected community, bringing significant social and well-being benefits to all.
Exhibition Area: The centre will feature an engaging exhibition space highlighting Glenmore’s rich history, including stories of WW2 Norwegian Resistance Fighters and LumberJills, as well as the unique wildlife and environment that make Glenmore so very special. This area will enhance the educational experience for visitors, deepening their understanding of the area's heritage and natural beauty.
Volunteering Opportunities: Our vision includes a thriving volunteer program where locals can share their knowledge and passion for Glenmore and our local area. Volunteers will have the chance to make new friends, meet people from around the world, gain new skills, and play a crucial role in the success of the community-owned Glenmore Visitor Centre.
Donations & Rewards
Every donation directly supports the refurbishment of the visitor centre ensuring it becomes a space that truly benefits both locals and visitors.
- £15: Pre-order coffee and cake in our refurbished café.
- £25: A "Friends of Glenmore" card, offering complimentary parking at the Visitor Centre and 10% off at the Glenmore Café for 12 months.
- £100, £250 or £500: Your name or business beautifully displayed on a hand-crafted wooden coin (three sizes available) displayed at the visitor centre, recognising your generous donation.
Together, We Can Create a Glenmore Visitor Centre That
- Serves as a vibrant gateway to Glenmore, the Cairngorms, Aviemore and the wider Badenoch and Strathspey area.
- Celebrates and preserves Glenmore's rich heritage and local identity.
- Supports responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.Strengthens our community through local employment, volunteering, and partnerships with local businesses and organisations.
- Empowers our community by ensuring that Glenmore is managed and protected with a community voice for generations to come.
By Investing in the Glenmore Visitor Centre, You’re Empowering Our Community
Your support is not just a donation—it’s an investment in the future of our community. Help us create a space that reflects our shared vision and serves as a gateway to one of Scotland's most treasured landscapes.
Spread the Word
Please share our campaign with your friends, family, and networks. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
Thank you!