One of the problem areas that the group wanted to address was parking at the Silver Sands of Morar, or Tougal. (In Gaelic, An Taobh Geal - the white side). The beach is popular with visitors and locals alike, and parking on the main carriageway had become a real problem, reducing access for local service and emergency vehicles.
We looked at various options to improve the situation, and were awarded grant funding to investigate two different options, both of which ultimately fell through because of issues either with the landowner or with planning restrictions. In the end, we went through a Community Asset Transfer process with The Highland Council to take ownership of the existing car park and toilet block. We have been able to attract funding to upgrade both of these; tarring the central strip of the Car Park and updating the toilet block, including adding solar panels to provide lighting. We have installed parking meters, and allow camper vans to stay overnight in the car park for one night, at a cost of £10.
We have also tried to improve the access to the beach from the car park. installing stepped access to encourage the use of one path, rather than the various access routes which had been created through use.
