Balmacara Community Trust (BCT - also referred to as The Trust) has acquired the former Balmacara Campsite, which is of significant recreational and environmental value to local community.

 

The site is 22.74 acres including established natural woodland and grassland, several burns and a derelict building. Most of the woodland on site is long established and of plantation origin.

It was purchased via the Community Asset Transfer Scheme. The Trust had to undertake research and establish opportunities for the site. They then made a formal application to Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) to consider selling the site to the community.

​

FLS reviewed our application which was successful, and in May 2025 the site ownership was passed over to BCT.

BCT's aspiration for the site include:
 Maintaining community and public access to the woodland walks.
 Provision of public toilets.
 Redevelopment of some of the campsite infrastructure.
 Provision of a BCT office and storage.
 Inclusion of a flexible low impact community events space.

Our aims were established from a community consultation exercise.

The Trust must mitigate the financial risks and liabilities of the campsite to assure sustainability, site maintenance and upkeep so generating an income becomes an essential requirement of ownership.

Our business plan will:

 Upgrade the existing building to house the BCT office, meeting rooms, bathroom, small kitchen, externally accessible public toilet and laundry* as well as storage facilities. Carry out feasibility work, including structural surveys and options appraisals. This is complete and was funded by the Scottish Land Fund. The Trust will take the preferred option and seek capital funding for the work.

 Maintain public access across the whole site.
 Establish a presentation / performance area.
 With a Woodland Management Plan in place we will implement tree and wildlife conservation and management measures.
 Varied events and activities for people to enjoy.
 Increased volunteer opportunities.

A range of surveys have been completed including flood risk, topographical and arboricultural assessments that will feed into the Woodland Management Plan. These were funded by HIE and the Scottish Land Fund.

The Trust has employed a part-time Development Officer to help with this work. One year has been funded by the Scottish Land Fund, and we seek further funding to retain the post. The Development Officer will explore opportunities to reinstate some form of camping on the site to generate an income.

The Trust will be rebranding the site as Balmacara Woodland Park and reinstating the bridge that was closed by Forestry and Land Scotland for safety reasons.

​

* The laundry provision came from the Old Mill Hall restoration consultation exercise. Moving this to the campsite leaves more room at the hall site for that heritage restoration project, whilst the potential for more use would come from the campsite.