Upgrade for scenic spot overlooking Loch Rangag
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A NEW attraction has been created in a lay-by overlooking a scenic loch which is part of the famous Caithness and Sutherland Flow Country.
The viewpoint features information boards about the flow country and the Caithness Broch Project and has been undertaken by the Peatlands Partnership.
The completion of the facility at Loch Rangag near Latheron has delighted Thurso and northwest Caithness Highland councillor Matthew Reiss.
“It is a small but beautiful tourist viewpoint on the A9 at the Causewaymire. I’m convinced tourism is already boosting our economy with small scale businesses and projects,” he said.
“We need to protect our Big Skies and encourage the bid for World Heritage Status for the Flow Country and support the continued increase in tourist related jobs – currently about 242,000 across Scotland.”
Civic leader and Wick and east Caithness Highland councillor, Willie Mackay, said: “I am particularly delighted with the new feature in the lay-by overlooking Loch Rangag.
“It is an added facility for locals and tourists to park up and admire the tranquillity of the setting and the Caithness countryside.
“Being right alongside the busy A9 trunk road makes it even more accessible for everyone.
“It always was a popular spot and now it will be even more popular.”
Loch Rangag is part of the Flow Country world heritage site bid which is expected to be determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
A working group has been set up with the aim of securing UK government approval for an application to UNESCO for the designation.
A wide range of organisations are involved in the bid including, Scottish Natural Heritage, University of Highlands and Islands (UHI), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, RSPB Scotland and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The Flow Country is Europe’s biggest blanket bog and stretches across Caithness and Sutherland.
It comprises 494,210 acres and is an expanse of peat bog, lochs and bog pools more than twice the size of Orkney.
Wildlife in the area include otters, deer and common scoter ducks.
