Friends of Blairs Loch get approval to redevelop stable and cart room as classroom and meeting facility

LOCAL volunteers have had their plans for an outdoor learning facility approved.

Friends of Blairs Loch (FBL) successfully applied to Moray Council to redevelop an old stable and cart room adjacent to the natural beauty spot's boat house on the Altyre Estate - the facility will provide a classroom/meeting room for up to 36 people along with toilets, a washroom and a storage area for use by local schools and other special interest groups.

FBL trustee Mike Sutherland explained that the small charity's members have been working at the loch for the last two years, breathing new life into its overgrown and derelict buildings.

He said: "We completed the refurbishment of the smaller room, The Bothy, just before the Covid-19 lockdown but having the plans approved for the next development is a real boost."

The group are currently raising funds for the project which will cost in the region of £125,000.

FBL treasurer Brian Higgs confirmed they have pledges for funding from the Scottish Landfill Community Fund and the Berry Burn Community Fund.

He added: "I am awaiting confirmation from another funding body whose pledge will take us up to £80,000. We still have a way to go with the fund raising but the announcement that we now have full planning approval is a big step."

In addition to the work on the boat house and bothy buildings, the group have also extended the footpaths around the loch, put picnic tables on the loch shore and built a bridge across to a small island where they have constructed a bird hide.

For more information visit www.blairsloch.com

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