16 Jul Deadline News
Photo by Scottish Wildlife Trust and West Highlands College UHI. The trail began as a final year project for a Marine and Coastal Tourism student based at West Highland College’s School of Adventure Studies.
Scotland’s newest snorkel trail reveals Lochaber’s hidden depths.
A new snorkel trail exploring Lochaber’s beautiful beaches and rocky shores has been created.
The self-led Lochaber Snorkel Trail made by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and West Highland College UHI features sites on the region’s coast and identifies areas that can be explored by snorkellers.
Exploring these areas could lead to close-up encounters with colourful wildlife including starfish, jellyfish, anemones and crabs, as well as seals and a range of fish.
Dr Sam Collin, Living Seas Manager, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “Lochaber’s dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches and internationally recognised biodiversity make it one of the finest locations for marine and coastal tourism in Scotland.
“The Lochaber Snorkel Trail is a fantastic addition to the network of trails being developed as part of our Living Seas project and we are delighted to have worked closely with West Highland College UHI to create it.
“We want to help people realise the importance of protecting Scotland’s seas – helping local people and visitors to safely discover marine wildlife through snorkelling is a fantastic way to achieve that.”
Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said: “It was fantastic to have the chance to experience first-hand the amazing coastal environment we have in Lochaber.
“This initiative goes to show that you don’t have to go to the Caribbean to see crystal clear waters and colourful marine life.
“I’m pleased to see West Highland College UHI and the Scottish Wildlife Trust collaborating on this new snorkel trail, a welcome initiative during Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.
“The work helps to highlight Lochaber’s stunning coast and the amazing life beneath the waves.
“I’m sure the trail will enhance adventure tourism in Lochaber, and raise awareness of the importance of looking after our local marine life.”
