Green light for £30m development at Aviemore

A consortium led by Macdonald Hotels, has unveiled multi-million pound plans that they are confident will turn Scotland's Aviemore area into a 'world class tourism destination'.

New developments at AHR (formerly known as the Aviemore Centre) include a pool, health spa and beauty complex, the refurbishment of Aviemore Highland Hotel to four-star grade, a hospitality academy and family hotel, cottage-style self-catering lodges and cinema and exhibition facilities.

A 100-bedroom, 4-star hotel with an 18-hole championship golf course and health and beauty complex is also being built at the nearby Dalfaber resort.The consortium's £18m investment in AHR is attracting an additional £6.5m of funding from Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise HIE.

Donald Macdonald, group chief executive of Macdonald Hotels believes the area will become an international tourist destination: 'We see Aviemore and the surrounding area as a natural hub for Highland tourism. Quality will be the watchword in all that we create in a resort sensitive to the National Park which will be both its doorstep and horizon.'

The site will also include selected areas for future development by leisure operators and retailers. Details: +44 (0)1479 810771.