Design & Access Statement Falls of Shin Visitor Centre by Lairg

Design & Access Statement

Falls of Shin Visitor Centre By Lairg Sutherland IV27 4EE

May 2015 Project Team Contents

Client: Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Valerie Houston 1.0 Introduction The Trust Office, Dornoch Road 2.0 Site Bonar Bridge, IV24 3EB 3.0 Site Ownership 01863 766 554 4.0 Vision Statement Architect & Principle Designer: CH Architecture 5.0 Option Appraisal Catriona Hill 6.0 Brief The Trust Office, Dornoch Road 7.0 Design Concept Bonar Bridge, IV24 3EB 8.0 Design Development 0792 988 6105 9.0 Layout and Design Principles Project Manager & QS: WSD 10.0 Access Gary Wilson & Ewan Macgregor 11.0 Project Aims Duncan House, Wester Inshes Place 12.0 Visitor Profile Inverness, IV2 5HZ 01463 717345 13.0 Comparison with other local attractions 14.0 Transport Statement Structural Engineer: Fairhurst 15.0 Drainage Impact Assessment Derek Thomson 16.0 Building Services & Structure Etive House, Beechwood Business Park Inverness, IV2 3BW 17.0 Sustainability, Waste and Recycling 01463 724 544 18.0 Landscape Design and Open Space 19.0 Outdoor Natural Play Area Building Services: CDMM (UK) Limited 20.0 Interpretation, Public Art, Wayfinding and Signage Neil Macrae, Gregor Campbell 36 Longman Drive 21.0 Operation, Maintenance & Secured by Design Inverness, IV1 1SU 22.0 Public Consultation 01463 729 637

Drainage & Environmental Consultants: JIG Gordon Millar 23 Westminster Terrace, Glasgow, G3 7RU 0141 221 4747

Funding Partners: Big Lottery, HIE

Site Address: Falls of Shin By Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4EE

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 1.0 Introduction

Summary This Design and Access Statement is a supporting document The community is located approximately one hour’s drive north to accompany the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust’s of Inverness on the inland stretch of the Kyle of Sutherland and planning application for a new visitor centre by the Falls of Shin. includes Creich and Ardgay & District Community Councils. The proposal seeks permission to build a new cafe, shop and The A9, Highland Council’s main transport artery, is located 10 interpretation area around a new outdoor plaza to replace the miles to the east and bypasses the area via the Dornoch Bridge previous facility which was destroyed by fire in 2013. which means that traffic passing through the area is minimal. As such, the communities are considerably more isolated than one Highland Council Guidance on Design & Access might have imagined and as a result have been recognised as Statements requiring additional support by Statutory Agencies. KoSDT is A design and access statement is a document which explains account managed by Highland & Islands Enterprise (HIE) and is the design rational and thought process which has lead to a final supported by the local wind farm benefit funds and a range of design. The purpose of the document is to help demonstrate other funders. that the context has been fully appraised and the final design is the most suitable solution for the site. It also includes a A priority of KoSDT is to oversee the implementation of a local explanation of the access issues in order to show that the development plan. Focusing on strengthening and uniting the needs of all users, particularly those with disabilities, have been local community through a range of projects. These include, incorporated into the design process. increasing leisure and outdoor activities available to residents and visitors, supporting local businesses and industries including The Falls of Shin Site tourism, fishing and food production and increasing education The Falls of Shin is a waterfall on the river Shin which provides a and training opportunities for the residents of the Kyle of spectacular opportunity to watch wild salmon leaping upstream Sutherland. to spawn. Adjacent to the waterfall was a popular visitor centre which was sadly destroyed by fire in 2013. The closure of the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust is a Registered Company Kyle of Sutherland Location attraction has had a severe effect on the local economy and SC401019 and Scottish Charity SCO43587. there is wide support to redevelop the site.

The Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (KoSDT) are Big Lottery Funding currently in the process of purchasing the site and intend to A Stage 1 application has been successfully approved by the develop the new facility on behalf of the community. Big Lottery and, depending on the outcome of this planning application, a Stage 2 application will be made for funding for the The Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust majority of the build budget. KoSDT was set up in 2011 with the aim to strengthen and unite the community in the Kyle of Sutherland. The Trust is governed Supplementary funding is currently being identified and it is by a Board Directors and is run by a Development Manager, hoped that a full funding strategy will be in place in order to Helen Houston, with the assistance of a project officer and enable the project to commence on site in 2016. administrator. The board of directors include Peter Campbell (Chair), Claire Bruce, Marion Turner, Rauridh Waugh, Posy Macrae, David Mackay, Andy Wright and John Morrison. The Falls of Shin Salmon Leap

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 2.0 Site

Location The Falls of Shin are located by the B864, on the river Shin, approximately 6 miles north west of Bonar Bridge and 5 miles south of Lairg. The river Shin is one of four tributaries which feed the Kyle of Sutherland and is a well known beauty spot renowned for salmon fishing.

Site Summary The site immediately associated with the building is 0.761 hectares. The wider site, including the carpark owned by Highland Council, is approximately 1.4 hectares. Access to the site is via a single track Local Authority adopted road with passing places.

Site History The Falls of Shin provide a unique opportunity to watch wild salmon leaping and proximity of the falls to the road make it unparalleled in terms of accessibility.

Map showing location of the Falls of Shin in East Sutherland Former Visitor Centre The site has an established history as a tourist attraction. The first facility, built on the east side of the road, was a small timber In the aftermath of the fire a working group was set up to building housing a small tea room and postcard shop. to steer the redevelopment of the site. During this process Balnagown Estate clarified that they intended to focus their In 1990 a new facility was built on the west side of the road resources on developing a different site rather than rebuilding which included a café and shop and became established for the facility at the Falls of Shin. offering quality food and gifts in an outdoor setting. As the project evolved it became clear that it would be more In 2002 Balnagown Estate purchased the site bestowing the sensible for the community, represented by KoSDT, to take over Harrods identity upon the retail outlet and the venue flourished ownership of the site. KoSDT are currently in the process of as a result. When Harrods was sold by the Al Fayed family in purchasing the site from Balnagown Estate with the support of 2010, the brand association between Balnagown Estate, The Falls the HIE. of Shin and Harrods was removed and as a result the facility struggled to find a new identity. Balnagown Estates and the Highland Council have continued to maintain the landscaping so that visitors can use the car In May of 2013 a fire broke out at the visitor centre and park and visit the salmon leap. Unfortunately the storm on 8th completely destroyed the building. The site was subsequently January 2015 affected the woodlands and access is temporarily cleared and is now level and vacant. restricted whilst the fallen trees are removed and the paths repaired.

The aftermath of the fire in May 2013

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 3.0 Site Ownership

North Site Ownership to Lairg Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, supported by the HIE, are currently in the process of purchasing the land associated with the building from Balnagown Estate. Key 1. Former building 2. Former cabin The wider extent of the site is owned by a number of other 3. Former terrace parties which has been summarised in the adjacent plan. 4. Former outside seating area 5. Sewage treatment tank 1 1 . 6. Existing BBQ hut

B864 7. Incoming power (tbc) ditch It should be pointed out that this drawing has been based 8. Incoming water (tbc) drainage 9. Temporary sign boards route on plans provided by Balnagown Estate, Highland Council 10. Deliveries layby indicative 1 1 . Drainage ditch 5. and Forestry Commission and is intended as a guide to the 12. Disabled parking 13. General parking 7. 8. ownership of the land. It should not be used for legal purposes. 14. Coach parking 15. Play park area 16. Mini golf 1. 2. The wider extent of the site including the car park and former 17. Car port structure 18. Forestry walks 3. play ground is owned by Highland Council. The surrounding 19. Path to waterfall 10. 20. Waterfall woodland is owned by the Forestry Commission and the 21. Road 4. riparian rights lie with the Douglas Millar Family. 12. 20.

21. Stakeholders 16. A group of stakeholders continues to meet on a quarterly basis. 6.

The attendees include; 19. River Shin

Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust 9. Highland Council Highlands & Islands Enterprise 9. Forestry Commission

Highlands & Islands Enterprise 15. (Playpark 14. equipment Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries removed off site sfter fire) Visit Scotland 13.

Key Other interested parties include; 14. Extent of site relevant to planning application (currently Douglas Miller Family being purchased by Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust from Balnagown Estate) 0.761 hectares

Communities of Criech, Ardgay & District and Lairg Extent of land in same ownership 19.

Location of percolation test and ground Public consultation is an essential part of the successful condition survey trial pits redevlopment of the site and will be expanded on later in the Land Owned by Highland Council document. Land Leased by Highland Council 18. 17. Forestry Land Owned by Forestry Commission Walks to Invershin Land Owned by Douglas Miller Family Existing site plan showing land ownership REV DATE PROJECT: Falls of Shin Visitor Centre A 18.05.05 Planning Permission Issue Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust CH Architecture SCALE The Trust Offices, Location plan 1:1000@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB 1 DATE DWG Status Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of Falls of Shin Scale: 1:1000 May 2015 Planning the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Design and Access Statement Note that neighbouring ownership boundaries have been based on drawings Location Plan CH 103_PL_001 A provided by Balnagown Estate, Highland Council and Forestry Commission and 0 50 100 M are intended as a guide and should not be used for legal purposes. 4.0 Vision Statement

Vision statement The Falls of Shin site presents an ideal opportunity for the community to build, manage and profit from a popular tourist attraction and much loved local facility.

The vision for the site is to harness the enthusiasm and support 7. of the local community, unite the stakeholders and place the 8. new facility at the heart of the disparate rural community. The approach to the site is holistic and attempts to gather the 9. 6. different interests of the various stakeholders. 5. 10.

Previous facility 1. The previous visitor facility demonstrated that there was a 4. strong demand for a cafe, souvenir shop and interpretation area and that the attraction had a wide catchment of local support as well as being a popular tourist attraction. In developing the 11 brief for the new facility, KoSDT were keen to understand what worked and what didn’t and incorporate the lessons learned in 3. the design of the new facility.

Analysis of previous attraction Whilst the previous visitor centre provided a flagship destination for the area there were several shortfalls which have 2. been identified so that they can be avoided in future; • The first impression was dominated by the carpark • The front door to the building was not obvious • The building was not particularly memorable or distinctive • The centre felt remote from the waterfall • The building was too big and required high levels of staffing • After the exit of Harrods the shop lost its sense of identity • The site was under-used in the shoulder months but staffing Key 1. Waterfall levels still needed to be maintained 2. Road 3. Parking Plan of previous arrangement 4. Approach The adjacent diagram illustrates the layout of the previous 5. Single entrance visitor attraction and identifies the key facilities. 6. Retail N 7. Toilets 8. Kitchen 9. Cafe 10. External seating 11. BBQ Diagram of previous facility Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 5.0 Options Appraisal

Option Appraisals An option appraisal exercise was carried out to examine the initial moves on site and help identify the best position, orientation and arrangement of the new build/buildings on site. The adjacent diagrams summarise four options which were considered before the final proposal was developed.

Option 1 explored the possibility of reusing the existing slab and providing a facility which is one third of the size of the previous building.

Option 2 was considered after it was established that the existing slab could not be reused and located the new building on axis with the approach from the car park.

Option 3 rotated the building so that it faced the road and created a building with a front and a back.

Option 4 looked at the option of creating a pavilion with a trellised walkway which would link the building to the waterfall Aerial view of site prior to fire Option 1 - building reusing existing slab Option 2 - building facing car park path.

Having carried out the intial site appriasal, Option 4 was considered to be the most promising diagram and formed the basis of the final proposal which is described in more detail in the following pages.

Option 3 - building facing road Option 4 - pavilion with walkway to waterfall paths Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 6.0 Brief Development

899406m 899406m Key Brief developmentNorth Key North 1. Former building The brief for the new facility was developed by KoSDT in 1. New building 10. 2. Former cabin conjunction with stakeholders,5 .building users, local tour 2. Plaza 9. 3. Former terrace 7. 8. 3. Covered walkway 4. Former outside seating areaoperators and potential tenants. 4. Fish tail portal 1 1 . 5. Sewage treatment tank 1. 5. New pedestrian crossing 1 1 . 6. Existing BBQ hut 6. Existing BBQ hut Slab (to be 7. Incoming power (tbc) It was established thatremoved) the optimum size2. for the cafe would be 7. Temporary catering van 3. 8. Incoming water (tbc) 60 covers so that it could accommodate one coach and several 8. Deliveries & dropoff layby 1. 9. Temporary sign boards 3. 9. Refuse store & plant 10. Deliveries layby independent tourists at the same time. A small10 retail. area was 10. New sewage treatment 8. 1 1 . Drainage ditch considered to be important to enable local produce to be 1 1 . Drainage ditch 12. Disabled parking 12. Disabled parking 21. 2. 13. General parking showcased. 4. 13. General parking 14. Coach parking 12. 20. 14. Coach parking 20. 15. Play park area 15. Play park Interpretation boards explaining the life cycle of the salmon 4. 16. Mini golf 21. 16. Mini golf 17. Car port structure and the importance16. of catch and release salmon fishing to the 17. Possible coach entrance 16. 18. Forestry walks local economy are considered important to demonstrate the 18. Forestry walks 19. Path to waterfall 6. 19. Path to waterfall 6. 20. Waterfall credibility of the venue. Provision of live digital coverage of the 20. Waterfall 12. 21. Road salmon leap is also seen as essential so that the experience19 of. 21. Phase 2 areas 19. visiting the facility is not diminished for those who are unable to 5. walk to the falls themselves. 9. A strong connection between the indoor and outdoor experience is essential. 9.

Brief 13. 15. 15. The aims of the brief were distilled(Playpark to produce a simple 14. equipment quantifiable list of components toremoved be off includedsite in the building sfter fire) Café with 60 covers 60m2 Material Key 7. Kitchen suitable for cold and hot lunches 20m2 Forest Service & storage space 20m2 Shrubs 14. Grass Sanitary facilities 20m2 17. Entrance & orientation area 40m2 Lawn Retail space 40m2 River Road Circulation 20m2 19. 19. Existing Tarmac 14. External exhibition / interpretation boards 13. New Tarmac Live digital coverage of the salmon leap 1 1 . Phase 2 New Gravel (Possible site for Children’s play area wigwams) New Paving Cycle stands New Kerb Stone Pushchair/Buggie park 18. 17. 18. Forestry ReusedReuse Existing existing Gravel gravel Forestry Walks Walks Dog friendly area with out door tap Existing Path

Provision of outdoor services for marquee Bark Chippingschippings 576 Existing pavilionPavilion 576

Falls of ShinExisting Landscape Plan Proposed Landscape Plan Design1 andScale: Access 1:1000 Statement 2 Scale: 1:1000

0 50 100 M

REV DATE PROJECT: Falls of Shin Visitor Centre A 18.05.05 Planning Permission Issue Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust CH Architecture SCALE The Trust Offices, 1:2000@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB

DATE DWG Status Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of May 2015 Planning the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Landscape Plan CH 103_PL_003 A 7.0 Design Concept

Design Concept The design concept of the building is loosely based on the image of a fish and is made up of a head, body and tail. Each part forms a distinctive function.

The head forms the main element of the facility and contains the cafe, shop, kitchen and toilets.

The body is formed out of a timber trellis walkway and contains the interpretation and outside exhibition area.

The tail is formed of a decorative metal canopy which creates a distinctive entrance portal.

The three components are grouped around an external plaza which will be used for gala events and external exhibitions and will be provided with services suitable for a marquee.

Whilst the overall image of the fish may not be legible from the ground level it will be seen in the aerial view and through time, will be included in google earth’s satellite survey of the world.

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 8.0 Design Development

former outflow North former sewage treatment disconnected Design Proposal tank to be steralised and reused for fire prevention culvert under During the period of design development, the orientation of the water store (28,000 litres) road to river building, in relation to the site, was reconsidered and it was felt new underground that it would be more successful if the cafeKey faced south and the rainwater attenuation 1. New building New partial soak away 25m2 plaza connected with the forest. By using2 .the Plaza timber walkway 9. modified Road 3. Trellised walkway outflow to B864 to shelter the plaza from the road, the central4. Fish tail space portal gains a 10. river river 5. Pedestrian crossing to 7. more direct connection with the woodland6. Existing and BBQhelps hut to create 7. Septic tank culvert 11m2 permeable a more enclosed, family friendly space. 7b. Partial soakaway and tarmac path to bin store drainage New septic 8. Deliveries & drop off layby ditch ground New grease below trap 2600 tank with 9. Refuse store litres partial soak 25m away Adjusting the orientation also enables an 10axial. Plant approach enclosure from Drainage distance 1 1 . Drainage ditch 90m2 permeable the carpark and allows all visitors to enter12 .the Disabled centre parking by tarmac path to bin for 13. General parking 1 1 . store de-sludging passing under the tail flick portal. This point14. Coach is parkingconsidered as 15. Play park the ‘entrance’ of the building and the interpretation16. Mini golf boards will start at this point. 17. Possible coach entrance 23. 18. Forestry walks 19. Path to waterfall 20. Waterfall 21. Bike stands 118m2 paving 24. 3. 22. Interpretation boards around building 23. Buggy station (Nominally 1m 1. wide widening at 24. Outside tap & washdown seating area) 25. Dog hooks 26. Outside seating 27. Woodland aphitheatre 25. 220m2 paved walkway 25.

26. 8.

Material Key Forest

Shrubs 2. Grass 672m2 Lawn seeded lawn 27. with top soil

Rooflight design tbc (needs to be bigger) River

Road 22. Existing Tarmac

New Tarmac Entrance Axonometric view with roof New Gravel 177m2 2 existing New Paving gravel reused

New Kerb Stone 4.

Trelis walkway Reused existing gravel (roofing solution to be developed) 21. Existing Path 21. 185m2 permeable Larch cladding Bark chippings tarmac Full height doors for Tail flick portal not access to outside shown seating Existing pavilion 16.

Full height south facing windows Axonometric view with roof removed 1 REV DATE PROJECT Falls of Shin Visitor Centre CH Architecture The Trust Offices, REV DATE SCALE DRAWING FILE REF PROJECT: Falls of Shin Visitor Centre 1:500 /1;100@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB DATE Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of A 18.05.05 Planning Permission Issue February 2015 the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust CH Architecture DWG Status DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Preliminary Axo CH 103_PL_006 / SCALE The Trust Offices, 6. 1:250@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB Falls of Shin Site Plan DATE DWG Status Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of 1 0 10 20 M May 2015 Planning the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . Scale: 1:250 DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Design and Access Statement Site Plan CH 103_PL_004 A 8.0 Design Development continued

Design Proposal The adjacent sketch has been superimposed over an aerial view of the site to give an impression of the external spaces which will be created by the walkway and building.

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 9.0 Layout and Design Principles

Layout and Design Principles The brief was to provide a simple, single storey space suitable for a 60 seat cafe. In order to get maximum use out of the cafe area, it has been designed as a single, column free space which Key can be laid out in a number of different ways. 1. Entrance Lobby 2. 60 seat restaurant Loose gravel 3. Shop around services 4. Kitchen 5. Staff The kitchen is served by a separate door enabling6 .deliveries Servery to 13. Plant 7. Female Toilets 5. Staff Access, 8. Male toilets - HW140 Refuse, cleaning store be taken without disturbing service. 12. Out of hours 300Ltr & dry goods store 9. Accessible toilet & baby change access to toilets ASHU cylinder

10. Administration way 12 1 1 . Cleaner's cupboard manifold 3630 12. Out of hours access to toilets The toilets have also been designed to be accessed13 . byPlant rooma 1500 14. Path to refuse and plant store hooks 15. Rooflight 8. Male separate external door so that, in the shoulder months,16. Butler station it will Coat WCs 1 1 . Cpd f/c = 2.7m 17. Multifuel stove be possible to close the cafe but keep the toilets open18. Interpretation for boardspublic 19. Buggy station 4. Kitchen 3. Shop use. 20. Outside tap & washdown Permeable 21. Dog hooks 10. Lockers & tarmac admin path 3515 22. Outside seating f/c = 2.7m 1300 The retail has been located by the door and has its own shop 9. Disabled 7. Female WCs 20. Outside tap & WCs f/c = 2.7m wash down bench window. It will be fitted with a ceiling mounted security grill so f/c = 2.7m 50 Service Area Out of hours security grille in ceiling 2630 1000

450 1380 850 1800 120 600 665 1100 1265 120 that it is possible to close this area off if the cafe is used for out- EXT

12. Out of hours 120 Till 16. Butler 18. Interpretation security doors 300 of-hours receptions. station board

Till 1. Entrance

1200 6. Servery Paving around Lobby building The glazing is concentrated on the south elevation where it will allow views out to the plaza and woodland. Glazed doors will 850 Coat hooks

EXT

15. Rooflight 2. Restaurant allow access to outside seating during the summer. 1100 over Trelliswalkway 18. Interpretation 19. Buggy stand board 750 stack

21 1300

A rooflight will bring natural light into the darker area of the hooks. Log Dog

17. Multifuel building and will represent the ‘eye’ of the fish. stove

The kitchen will be designed to accommodate 100 simultaneous meals so that it can be used for event catering. Power will be provided to the plaza so that a marquee can be pitched. EXT

18. Interpretation board 21. Dog Reused hooks gravel The finishes in the building will be kept to a simple restricted surface palette of timber, polished concrete and plasterboard. The structural design of the building will include exposed cross laminated timber in keeping with the material pallet. 22. Outside seating

Externally the building will be clad with Douglas fir or Larch Grass plaza cladding. The external walkway will be formed using rough cut Douglas Fir gifted by the Forestry Commission.

Plan 1 REV DATE PROJECT: Falls of Shin Visitor Centre Scale: 1:100 A 18.05.05 Planning Permission Issue Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust CH Architecture SCALE The Trust Offices, 1:100@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB

DATE DWG Status Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of Falls of Shin May 2015 Planning the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . 0 5 10 M DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Design and Access Statement Plan CH 103_PL_005 A 10.0 Access

899406m 899406m Key Access to the developmentNorth recognisable entry point, signage willKey be used to clearly identify North 1. Former buildingThe site is accessed via the B864 which is a single lane Local the plaza, walkway, cafe, shop and route1. New to building the waterfall 10. 2. Former cabinAuthority road with passing places. The 5site. is not served by 2. Plaza 9. 3. Former terrace 7. 8. 3. Covered walkway 4. Former outsidepublic seating transport area and is more than 1.5 miles away from the Interpretation boards 4. Fish tail portal 1 1 . 5. Sewage treatmentnearest tank settlement therefore it is 1assumed. that almost all A informative and interesting external5. New exhibition pedestrian will crossing be created 1 1 . 6. Existing BBQ hut 6. Existing BBQ hut Slab (to be 7. Incoming powervisitors (tbc) will arrive by car, motorbikeremoved) or by coach. 2 . The B864 in the trellised walkway leading up the7. Temporary building. catering The exhibition van 3. 8. Incoming waterdoes, (tbc) however, form part of National Cycle Route 1 which will begin at the fish tail, which forms8. Deliveriesthe entry & dropoffpoint laybyto the 1. 9. Temporary sign boards 3. 9. Refuse store & plant 10. Deliveries laybyconnects Dover to Shetland so it is anticipated that a number10. of facility. 10. New sewage treatment 8. 1 1 . Drainage ditchvisitors will arrive by bicycle. 1 1 . Drainage ditch 12. Disabled parking 12. Disabled parking 21. 2. 13. General parking 4. Intellectual Accessibility 13. General parking 14. Coach parkingParking 12. It is important that intellectual20. accessibility14. Coach is parking given equal 20. 15. Play park area 15. Play park Parking is already provided on site although a number of weight to physical accessibility. The interpretation boards were 4. 16. Mini golf 21. 16. Mini golf 17. Car port structuremodifications are proposed16. to improve traffic flow and a popular feature at the previous facility17. Possible and their coach content entrance 16. 18. Forestry walksaccessibility. will form the basis for the new boards.18. Forestry The KoSDT walks are also 19. Path to waterfall 6. 19. Path to waterfall 6. 20. Waterfall investigating the possibility of developing20. Waterfall an interactive app 12. 21. Road which19. will work with the interpretation21. Phase boards. 2 areas Emergency Services & Service Vehicles 19. Emergency and service vehicles will access the site via the B864 5. and a designated lay by will be available for off road parking. Entrance A level9. threshold will be provided at the entrance and the doors Pathways to the lobby will be compliant with DDA requirements. The various pathways from the site are identified in Highland 9. Council’s Proposed Core Path plan for Lairg and Invershin. Surface Core paths are protected rights of way which provide 13. Surfacing material in the building and on the approach to the 15. 15. reasonable access throughout an area. (Playpark 14facility. will be level and trip hazard free and will be suitable for equipment removed off site wheelchair users. sfter fire) Access for all users Material Key 7. Forest The new building and immediate surroundings will be accessible Facilities Forest to all users and promoting accessibility has been a key priority The building will include catering and retailShrubs facilities along with 14. Grass during the development of the design. public toilets. A unisex disabled toilet will be provided with 17. integrated baby change facilities. Lawn River Visual Accessibility Road In the first instance, visual accessibility will be improved through Access to river19. 19. Existing Tarmac 14. signage from the road and on the approach to the building. There are two paths to the main viewing platform by the river. 13. New Tarmac One is relatively steep and has steps and barrier rails. The 1 1 . Phase 2 New Gravel (Possible site for second path has a more gentle gradient. wigwams) Designated parking New Paving The provision of wide bays, suitable for disabled and parent and New Kerb Stone child parking, will be made closest to the18 building.. 17. 18. Forestry Digital access to river ReusedReuse Existing existing Gravel gravel Forestry Walks Walks For those who are not able to manage theExisting paths Path to the viewing

Signage platform, it is proposed that a webcam is Barkconnected Chippingschippings to a wall Although the fish tail portal will create an iconic576 and mounted screen to display live digital footageExisting of pavilionPavilion the salmon leap. 576 Falls of Shin 1 Existing Landscape Plan 2 Proposed Landscape Plan Design and AccessScale: Statement 1:1000 Scale: 1:1000

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Education & Conservation The wider aims of the project in terms of education and conservation can be summarised as follows; • Provide engaging opportunities for visitors to learn about the Atlantic salmon, the Falls of Shin and the KoS area. • Provide resources for visitors to discover what there is to see and do in the KoS area and how to locate/access them. • Help conserve the unique qualities of the KoS area for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. • Help preserve the experience of solitude and seclusion enjoyed by residents and visitors alike in the KoS area by sport fishers. • Help generate a commitment to responsible stewardship of the Atlantic salmon resource across all categories of visitor to the Salmon Country Hub/Centre. • Provide examples of actions and informed choices that the Engaging opportunities for visitors to learn about the Atlantic salmon, the Falls of Shin and individual visitor can take to help conserve the Atlantic the KoS area could be provided through interactive exhibits. salmon resource. • Provide an archive of salmon related information and an accessible resource for school projects and others researching the subject.

Social & Economic The wider social and economic aims of the project can be summarised as follows; • Establish a hub/centre in the Kyle of Sutherland area as an identifiable, appealing and unique destination. • Provide appropriate opportunities for visitors to experience the natural and cultural heritage of the KoS area. • Protect the revenues and employment opportunities which the site has previously offered. • Generate new employment opportunities at the Falls of Shin site and the KoS area through increased visitor numbers and spending. • Attract past and future visitors back to the site and generate revenue for the catering and retails franchisees and furthermore the KoS community. • Help generate new entrepreneurial opportunities in the KoS area through increased visitor numbers and spending. New entrepreneurial opportunities could be generated by providing low cost retail outlets in seasonal or mobile stalls to local businesses such as Brora Produce. Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 12.0 Visitor Profile

General Audience Identification and analysis of the target market of the attraction When asked which visitor experience would make them most is one the most important tasks carried out during the design likely to return, scenery and landscape was most identified. One development. Visitor types, quantities and what they are third of visitors planned their vacation activities three to six seeking from a visit will influence the development stages, the months in advance. The average length of stay is 4.4 nights, with messages communicated, exhibit make up, facilities available, site the top accommodation category being B&B or Guesthouse. orientation and centre size. The most popular activity, whilst visiting the Highlands, was

short walk/stroll with sightseeing, visiting historic castle / house Appealing to a wide audience KoSDT have used data from the previous facility along with and trying local food following close behind. The average party up to date information from Visit Scotland & North Highland size is 2.35 members with only 14% of these thought to be Initiative to identify the general visitor profile. under 16 years of age.

Independent Visitors Local Visitors (References include Visit Scotland ‘Trends 2014’, North Highland It is thought people living within a 30 – 60 minute drive shall Initiative Summary & Visit Scotland Regional Survey 2011) come to the Falls of Shin primarily to seek similar activities that the previous facility offered including shop, café, walks, play area The profile of visitors attracted to Sutherland is thought to be and special events and naturally, with the re-establishment of the Spectacular salmon leaping display specific and an understanding of this audience makeup will allow site, to see what is now offered. us to tailor visitor provision to suit the specific interests and need of the majority of people. Local people may visit repeatedly throughout the year for the above activities but after following an initial exploratory visit are In 2010 the Highlands attracted 2.1 million visitor spending only likely to return to use the restaurant or when significant £536 million. Interestingly 47% of these were from Scotland, new or upgraded facilities or special events are offered. This 32% from Other UK and 21% being from oversees. This requirement for change sits alongside the need for new stock supports the trend of staycations and people seeking to lines to be brought into the shop and new menu items to be Forest Walks educate, relax and adventure within their homeland. The busiest intermitently introduced in to the café to ensure the interest of months of the year are May to September with the quietest local visitors is maintained. months being December and January. People from the local area will form a significant proportion Visitors to the Highlands are of a similar profile to that of of the visitors and with this in mind it will be important to Scotland with 45% of visitors to the area aged between 25 encourage and create personal involvement, support and and 44. Most of which are visiting the Highlands as part of a goodwill towards the centre. wider visit touring Scotland (48%) or on a countryside based Children’s play area visit (25%). Their visit experience quality is reflected well with 74% having overall satisfaction with the Highlands, 88% of visitors definitely recommending the Highlands as a destination (interestingly the majority of these were in the 45-54 year olds.)

50% of visitors confirmed that they would ‘definitely’ return and a further 21% confirmed they would ‘probably’ return. Food & beverages Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 13.0 Comparison with Other Local Visitor Attractions 0 100m

Visitor Attactions in the Locality Summary of other attractions A desk based study was carried out to indentify other visitor Ferrycroft, Lairg – 5 miles from Falls of Shin attractions in the area in order to gain a better understanding of Operated by Highlife Highland Tues-Sun the provision of facilities in the locality. No refreshments available Exhibition capacity 40-50 Five key venues were selcted from Sutherland and Ross-shire Outdoor play area and a comparative study (summarised below) was carried out Exhibition centre local crafts display & sale area to see if the new facility sits in line with the current facilities on offer. Dunrobin Castle, Golspie – 25 miles Castle, museum gardens with falconry display, gift shop and café. It is evident that provision of a cafe is essential for the longevity Mon – Sun April to October of the venue and the inclusion of a small retail area is good as a Café capacity 85 supplementary facility Light lunched, coffees and cakes Falls of Shin Ferrycroft Centre Lairg

The Pier, Lairg – 5 miles Family run licensed premise Tues-Sun for lunches and coffees with evening meals Fri- Sat Café capacity 40-50 Outdoor seated area, loch side Local crafts display and sale area

Storehouse, Foulis – 30 miles Family run Restaurant and Farm shop Mon – Sat 9am to 6pm and Sun 10am to 5pm Café capacity 100 inside and approx. 30 further covers in the marquee extension Local Heritage Museum Dunrobin Castle The Pier Cafe Lairg Timespan, Helmsdale – 45 miles Not for profit organisation Mon – Sun light lunches, coffees and cakes Café capacity 26 Heritage Museum with café herb & geology garden

Storehouse of Foulis Timespan Helmsdale

Previous centre approximately 780m2 Falls of Shin Proposed centre approximately 200m2 Design and Access Statement North Key Project Information 1. New building Road to Lairg 2. New plaza Areas: 3. New trellised walkway 4. New fish tail portal Site area (defined by red line) - 0.761 hectares 5. New pedestrian crossing Gross external area of building - 225m2 6. Existing BBQ hut Internal public floor area - 132m2 7. Temporary catering van Area of external walkway exhibition - 190m2 8. Deliveries & dropoff layby 9. Refuse & fuel store Parking Provision: 10. Store / Plant 1 1 . Phase 2 areas (Mimimum provision as per table 6.4 12. Disabled parking 1 space per 5m2 of public floor area = 132+190/5 = 65spaces) 13. General parking 14. Coach parking Actual parking provision: 15. Existing Play park 14.0 Transport Statement 16. Existing Mini golf Accessible bays - 6no. 9. 17. Proposed new coach entrance 10. Parent & child bays - 6no. 18. Existing Forestry walks General bays - 70no. Existing Conditions 19. Existing paths Coachto waterfall Parking Staff bays - 6no. The previous facility provided 760m2 of retail, cafe20 and. Waterfall WC The site currently provides space for 4no coaches to park along Motor cycle bays - 9no. 21. Cycle stands Bicycle stands - 12no. accommodation and was supported by a tarmac car park side the road. No turning is allowed on site which means that 3. Coach bays - 6no. with gravel surfaced overflow parking area. Following the all bus routes must be organised accordingly. It is proposed 1. Extent of Site Loading bay for destruction of the previous facility, the carpark has continued that Highland Council consider a new coach-only entrance and 8. emergency and service vehicles to be used by walkers and tourists viewing the waterfall. ItExtent of Landexit in same to theownership site to enable buses to park on the gravel surface 1 1 . Phase 2 (Salmon Centre) 2. remains intact and it is proposed that it continues to serve the which is currently designated for overflow parking. The bays on 20. new facility, which will be one third of the size (225m2) of the either side of the single track road could then be reallocated for previous building. It is therefore considered that the existing passing only which will reduce congestion during peak times. 4. parking provision will be adequate for the new facility with a 21. few modifications to ease vehicle flow. General Parking 16. The facility is formed of 132m2 of internal public space and 6. Neighbouring Properties 190m2 of external exhibition space. The total area is 322m2 There is only one domestic property to the north of the site which means a minimum of 65no parking spaces should be 12. New defined River Shin 19. which is used as holiday accommodation. It is not envisaged provided. Access to the main parking area will be as existing. pedestrian 5. crossing that the new facility will impact on their access arrangements. Cars will be directed to use the tarmac area first before parking

in the gravel area and exit using the new coach entrance. Cars 13 Existing General . Public Transport will be encouraged to reverse park. (8no Entrance & Exit There is no scheduled public transport to the site however .) when the previous facility was in operation there were a Disabled and Parent and Child Parking M/C

- number of tour operators who provided day trips to the site A minimum of 6% of the bays should be designated for disabled 9no and it is envisaged that this will be reinstated with the new users only and similarly only 6% designated for parent and child 15. . Redudant coach building is opened users only. These bays will be within 45m of the entry point to Reinstate bays to be used the facility which is identified as the fishtail portal. playpark for passing bays Baseline Transport Data 7. 13 The previous facility was believed to have attracted over 13 Motorcycle Parking . (10no

. 100,000 visitors a year. It is difficult to predict the number of A minimum of 4no. motor cycle bays should be provided (9no

6no .) vehicles but based on the previous data it would be reasonable however the popularity of the road with bikers has been noted - .) Staff New Coach .) 17. to assume that there would be 200 cars, 20 motorbikes, and and a greater number of bays will be provided. 13.(7no Entrnace and Exit 3coaches on a peak day. In addition there could be as many Overflow only as 20 cyclists passing on route to John O’Groats and a similar 1 Bicycle Parking Coach 19. number from local villages. It is unlikely that many people would 2 Provision for 12no. bicycles to be parked near the entrance of Coach 14. 13 13 (6no.) . arrive by foot due to the remote location of the site. 3the facility will be made. Coach Parking 13 Coach (12no . (13no & Caravans . 13 (11no

.3m (prohibited from .)

overnight stays) .) Proposed modifications Staff Parking .) A number of modifications are proposed to ease traffic flow. It 6no. bays will be designated for staff parking. .8m is important to note, however, that Highland Council1 1own the 18. land on which the parking is located and that the cost of the Pedestrian Crossing Forestry modifications to the parking will be outwith the building budget. A clear pedestrian crossing should be installed at the head of Walks the river path. Diagram of transport issues - Refer also to drawing 103_PL_002 Road to Invershin

REV DATE PROJECT: Falls of Shin Visitor Centre Falls of Shin A 18.05.05 Planning Permission Issue Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust CH Architecture Sweep Path Analysis Proposed site plan SCALE The Trust Offices, Design and Access Statement 2 Scale: 1:1000 1 Scale: 1:1000 1:1000@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB DATE DWG Status Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of May 2015 Planning the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION 0 50 100 M Proposed Site Plan CH 103_PL_002 A 15.0 Drainage Impact Assessment

Existing Drainage Characteristics Pre-development flows for the total proposed impermeable Flows & Loads - 4 Sizing Criteria, Treatment Capacity for Small The existing drainage characteristics of the site have been area (roof areas) have been calculated to be 0.9 litres/second Wastewater Treatment Systems ISBN 978-1-903481-10-3, is ascertained through site investigation and trial pit excavation. for a 1 in 30 year storm (refer to Pre-development surface deemed to be 200PE. The site is not served by a mains sewer due to its rural location. water run-off calculation). JIG wrote to SEPA on 31.03.15 on behalf of KoSDT to advise The former building discharged foul waste to a sewage Roof Water Run-off Attenuation System that the predicted maximum daily volume discharging from the treatment tank which subsequently discharged to the river Shin. Surface water flows from the new building & entrance walkway new treatment system to the River Shin would be 8.3m3 per A SEPA licence was held by Balnagown Properties in respect of roof will be conveyed to a 6m long x 2.5m wide x 1.2m deep day as a mean flow rate. As a result of these lesser loadings a this arrangement. cellular attenuation tank which will be located at the north end request was made to consider a septic tank discharge, with a of the site. (refer to Attenuation Tank, 30 year return period twin stage tank and effluent filter arrangement, to the river as Surface water appears to have been gathered and discharged calculation). opposed to a sewage treatment plant discharge. to the perimeter drainage ditch which also delivers to the river Shin. The outflow from the attenuation tank will be discharged into SEPA have concurred, in an email dated 07.05.15, that this the existing perimeter drainage ditch through a 36mm diameter arrangement would be acceptable in principle given the Infiltration Test flow control device (Hydrobrake or similar) which will be reduction in size of the facility. A trial pit was excavated on 22.04.15 and an infiltration test was positioned downstream of the tank to restrict the discharge to carried out by Fairhurst Engineers to establish the percolation no greater than 0.9 litres/second during a 1 in 30 year storm The proposed drainage arrangement has been indicated on rate of the soil. The arisings from the trial pit were identified (refer to Pre-development surface water run-off calculation) drawing 103_PL_004 (Extract below) as being brown course very silty sands with rounded gravel to replicate pre-development conditions. The flows from the former outflow North former sewage treatment disconnected and small boulders. The results demonstrated that there is existing perimeter ditch discharges to the River Shin. tank to be steralised and reused for fire prevention culvert under insufficient infiltration for a traditional rainwater soakaway, water store (28,000 litres) road to river

new underground probably due to a bed of peat below the surface. With regards to treatment of theKey roof water run-off a new rainwater attenuation 1. New building New partial soak away 25m2 2. Plaza 9. modified Road silt trap will be constructed upstream3. Trellised walkway of the attenuation tank outflow to B864 4. Fish tail portal 10. river river and a new filter trench comprising5. Pedestrian of crossinga sealed stone filled to 7. Risk of Flooding 6. Existing BBQ hut 7. Septic tank culvert 11m2 permeable The site is not at risk of flooding nor would the redevelopment trench downstream of the Hydrobrake7b. Partial soakaway chamber prior to flows and tarmac path to bin store drainage New septic 8. Deliveries & drop off layby ditch ground New grease below trap 2600 tank with 9. Refuse store litres partial soak 25m of the site lead to increased flood risk elsewhere. discharging to the ditch. away 10. Plant enclosure Drainage distance 1 1 . Drainage ditch 90m2 permeable 12. Disabled parking tarmac path to bin for 13. General parking 1 1 . store de-sludging 14. Coach parking Sustainable Drainage System for Surface Water Foul Drainage 15. Play park 16. Mini golf The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) JIG Environmental consultants were17. Possible appointed coach entrance at an early 23. 18. Forestry walks 19. Path to waterfall Regulations 2011 make sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) a stage to examine the possibility 20of. Waterfall re-using the existing sewage 21. Bike stands 118m2 paving 24. 3. requirement for nearly all new development within Scotland. treatment plant which remains on22. Interpretation site. boards around building 23. Buggy station (Nominally 1m 1. wide widening at 24. Outside tap & washdown seating area) The design of the new Falls of Shin centre will employ SuDS to 25. Dog hooks 26. Outside seating attenuate the rainwater run off from the roof and new areas of JIG established that the poor condition27. Woodland aphitheatre of the existing plant 25. 220m2 paved walkway hard landscaping. makes it unsuitable for reuse and therefore have assisted in 25.

determining the proposed loading on the new system and 26. 8. Water collected on the roof and paving in the trellised walkway subsequent specification of the replacement plant. will be routed via an underground attenuation chamber to the existing perimeter drainage ditch which delivers to the river The proposed capacity of the new facility is considerably 2. 672m2 seeded lawn Shin via a culvert around the site and under the road. smaller that the previous venue and the estimated sewage 27. with top soil load, calculated using the British Water Code of Practice 22. Falls of Shin 177m2 existing Design and Access Statement gravel reused 4.

21. 21. 185m2 permeable tarmac 16.

REV DATE PROJECT: Falls of Shin Visitor Centre A 18.05.05 Planning Permission Issue Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust CH Architecture SCALE The Trust Offices, 6. 1:250@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB Site Plan DATE DWG Status Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of 1 0 10 20 M May 2015 Planning the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . Scale: 1:250 DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Site Plan CH 103_PL_004 A 16.0 Building Structure and Services

Structure Heating The building is a simple single storey structure with one large An air source heat pump has been proposed to provide heating space and a series of cellular service areas. and hot water. External units will be discretely located behind timber screens to the north of the building and will feed an Rooflight design tbc It is proposed that a supporting spine wall will separate the internal thermal store located in the plant room. The thermal (needs to be bigger) cellular spaces from the main cafe and that a beam and column store will serve an under floor heating system which will be system is used to support the roof in this area. laid throughout the building. The floor finish will be polished

concrete throughout with non-slip safety flooring in the kitchen. Axonometric view with roof 2 A combination of glulam collumns and beams used in conjunction with a cross laminated timber roof and timber Ventilation framed external walls is proposed. The building will be ventilated using an assisted system which Trelis walkway (roofing solution to be draws fresh air in through trickle vents in the base of the fixed developed) Off-site prefabrication of the main componenets is believed to windows and out through the spine wall and ceiling void above Larch cladding Full height doors for Tail flick portal not access to outside shown be the most efficient and economic solution and will reduce the the cellular spaces. seating

Full height south facing build time on site. windows Axonometric view with roof removed 1 REV DATE PROJECT Falls of Shin Visitor Centre CH Architecture Lighting SCALE DRAWING FILE REF The Trust Offices, 1:500 /1;100@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB

DATE Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of February 2015 the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . DWG Status DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Services LED lighting will be used internally and externally. The external Preliminary Axo CH 103_PL_006 / The building will be connected to the main water supply which display boards will be illuminated and LED lighting will be runs along the B864 from Lairg and terminates at the site. It located in the timber trellis. will also be connected to the national power grid.

Foul Drainage There is no mains sewage so foul drainage will need to be treated on site. The previous facility was served by a packaged treatment plant which discharged treated water into the river shin. Sepa have granted a licence to allow the equivalent of 250people daily discharge and it is assumed that this licence may be transfered when the ownership of the site changes.

KoSDT have engaged the services of a drainage consultant, JIG, who will assist in the specification of a replacement treatment plant as it is believed that the existing system is broken.

Rainwater Drainage A perculation test was carried out on site on 22.04.15. It was established that the substrate beneath the site has a very low perculation capacity probably due to the extent of peat. Surface water will therefore need to be gathered and discharge to the adjacent watercourse rather than to a soakaway.

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 17.0 Sustainability, Waste & Recycling

Sustainability It is the intention of KoSDT that the building will reach a high level of sustainability in line with the aspirations of the Greening Kyle project which is currently being run by the Trust.

The building has a woodland setting and it is important that both for the enjoyment of the visitors and for the preservation of the immediate environment that it has a positive impact on its surroundings.

The external envelope of the building will exceed the minimum thermal requirements and will ensure that heat loss is reduced to a minimum.

Solar gain will be allowed through the south facing windows in the cafe however care has been taken to reduce this so that overheating does not become problematic. The oversailing roof will reduce sunlight penetration during mid day.

Waste Waste will be collected from the site twice a week and will be separated into general non recyclable, and recyclable. A designated waste storage area will be located in the kitchen for daily use. An operational stragey will be devised to ensure that bins are emptied to the outside storage area at the end of each day.

A waste storage area will be built to the north of the building and will be reached by a paved or bound gravel path suitable for the movement of paladin bins.

Two 1100 litre paladin bins will be located in the bin store and will be wheeled to the service layby for collection.

Recycling A separate paladin bin for recycled waste will be included in the waste store and recycling of paper, glass, plastic and metal will be encouraged.

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 18.0 Landscape Design

former outflow North former sewage treatment disconnected tank to be steralised and Landscape design reused for fire prevention culvert under road to river The landscape design has been illustrated in drawing 103_ water store (28,000 litres)

new underground PL_003 which identifies the existing plantingKey and surface rainwater attenuation 1. New building New partial soak away 25m2 treatment and highlights the proposed new2. Plaza areas. 9. modified Road 3. Trellised walkway outflow to B864 4. Fish tail portal 10. river river 5. Pedestrian crossing to 7. Plaza 6. Existing BBQ hut 7. Septic tank culvert 11m2 permeable 7b. Partial soakaway and tarmac path to bin A new plaza will form the centre of the facility and will provide store drainage New septic 8. Deliveries & drop off layby ditch ground New grease below trap 2600 tank with 9. Refuse store litres partial soak 25m a venue for galas, farmer’s markets, and seasonal events such as away Pavilion by Rintala Eggertson 10. Plant enclosure Drainage distance 1 1 . Drainage ditch bonfire night fireworks. It must be capable of accommodating 90m2 permeable 12. Disabled parking tarmac path to bin for 13. General parking 1 1 . store de-sludging a marque and as such, either a gravel or 14grass. Coach parkingsurface is being 15. Play park considered. 16. Mini golf 17. Possible coach entrance 23. 18. Forestry walks 19. Path to waterfall Paving 20. Waterfall 21. Bike stands 118m2 paving 24. 3. New paving will be required from the parking22. Interpretation area boards to the around building 23. Buggy station (Nominally 1m 1. 24. Outside tap & washdown wide widening at building. To enhance the experience of the fishtail portal and seating area) Seatwheel by CH Architecture 25. Dog hooks trellis walkway natural stone sets laid to26 a. Outside scale seating pattern would 27. Woodland aphitheatre 25. 220m2 paved walkway be preferred. Should budget restrictions limit the extent of this, 25. resin bound gravel is also being considered.

26. 8. New Planting Material Key The site already benefits from an establishedForest landscape design and a good range of plants have matured onShrubs site. It is envisaged 2. Grass that this will be maintained and repaired where required. 672m2 Woodland structure Lawn seeded lawn 27. with top soil The new plaza will be levelled with topsoil andRiver seeded with Road 22. grass to form a lawn. Existing Tarmac

New Tarmac

New Gravel 177m2 Sit-outeries and pavilions existing The current build budget will not include anyNew landscape Paving pavilions gravel reused New Kerb Stone 4. however it would be sensible to consider theReused positive existing gravel impact of 21. a few timber structures to enhance the woodlandExisting Path experience 21. 185m2 permeable Seedpod by CH Architecture on site. Bark chippings tarmac Existing pavilion 16. The adjacent images have been included to illustrate the sort of REV DATE PROJECT: Falls of Shin Visitor Centre structures that may be considered in the future. A 18.05.05 Planning Permission Issue Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust CH Architecture SCALE The Trust Offices, 6. 1:250@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB Site Plan DATE DWG Status Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of 1 0 10 20 M May 2015 Planning the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . Scale: 1:250 DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Site Plan CH 103_PL_004 A

Wigwam Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 19.0 Outdoor Natural Play

Children’s Play Area The play equipment was removed from site shortly after the building was destroyed by fire. Public consultation has identified that reinstating this is considered to be one of the most important factors for the local community.

Consultation with the Forestry Commission led to the suggestion of installing natural play rather than metal equipment.

The adjacent photographs show some examples of typical types of natural play facilities and KoSDT are currently investigating the possibility of working with the Forestry Commission to introduce some of these arrangements.

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 20.0 Interpretation, Public Art & Signage

Interpretation An external exihibition will be displayed in the walkway. The content of the exhibition will be based on the previous interpretation boards which were developed by the Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trust and expanded to include the importance of catch and release fishing in parallel with the story of the life cycle of the Atlantic Salmon.

Public Art Public art will be encouraged to animate the plaza and Creative Scotland is being consulted in relation to possible funding.

Signage & Wayfinding General signage and wayfinding will be designed in parallel with the interpretation boards to ensure that there is a ‘house style’.

Digital Interaction KoSDT are investigating the possiblity of developing an interactive app which will work in conjunction with the display boards and be accessible via smart phones and tablets.

REV DATE PROJECT: Falls of Shin Visitor Centre Falls of Shin A 18.05.05 Planning Permission Issue Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust CH Architecture SCALE The Trust Offices, 1:250@ A 3 Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3EB

DATE DWG Status Information contained on this drawing is the sole copyright of May 2015 Planning the architect and is not to be reproduced without their permission . Design and Access Statement DWG Title DWG by DWG No. REVISION Site Plan CH 103_PL_004 A 21.0 Operation, Maintenance & Secured by Design

Operation The building will be leased to a cafe and retail operator via an open tendering process.

Maintenance The building and immediate grounds will be maintained by KoSDT in conjunction with the tenant. A clear management and maintenance programme and business continuity and resilience plan will be prepared to ensure a safe and secure working environment.

Secured by Design The design of the building follows the criteria laid out in the Secured by Design guidelines which aim to provide a sensible and practical level of security which will not adversely affect the efficient of the business.

The most important criteria is to create a sense of place which encourages visitors and users to take pride in the facility. The central plaza will provide a safe and accessible environment which helps to reduce the likelihood of antisocial behaviour.

Good external lighting will be provided to ensure the place is welcoming and safe in the winter months.

External furniture will be designed to be robust. A natural play area is proposed for the children’s play park. Salmon Leap

External storage areas containing plant, maintenance equipment and refuse will be securely locked.

The building shell will be largely glazed on the south elevation and predominantly solid on the north elevation.

The external doors will all be equipped with 5 point mortice locks.

Internally the entrance will be open and welcoming and the shop and cafe have been designed to be staffed by a single till point which is important during the shoulder months. View Platform

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement 22.0 Public Consultation

Public Consultation An initial public consultation event was held on the 19th of March 2014 at Invershin Community Hall. The event was organised by Balnagown Estate with support from the working party group which had been convened in the aftermath of the fire in May 2013.

Over 100 people attended the event and participated in the discussion groups.

The feedback from the forms distributed at the meeting is summarised below;

After KoSDT took over the project, a social media site was set up and over 400 people joined within the first 24 hours.

KoSDT are keen to involve as many user groups as possible and arranged 4 local public consultation days in the surrounding villages of Ardgay, Bonar Bridge, Rosehall and Lairg.

228 people attended the events and feedback was gathered through a survey questionnaire which will shortly be made available on-line. Support has been overwhelming so far and it is clear that the public are keen to see a facility reinstated on site along with the much loved play park and web cam connection to the waterfall.

Aerial view of previous Falls of Shin Visitor Centre

Falls of Shin Design and Access Statement