Smoo Cave near Durness reopens
Rock stability works at Smoo Cave near Durness in Sutherland have been completed and the site is now open again for public access. The work, undertaken by Rope Access Scotland Ltd and overseen by geotechnical experts from consultants URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited, included light rock scaling, netting and bolting and was essential for maintenance of the site in a condition suitable for on-going public access.
The cave and its immediate environs are in the ownership of The Highland Council and managed by the Planning and Development Service for the purpose of countryside recreation. Visitor numbers to the site are in excess of 43,000 per annum. Boat trips into the cave are provided by a local enthusiast and make for a unique visitor experience in this remote area.
A visit to the site from the BBC One Show will be broadcast this evening.
North, West and Central Sutherland Councillor, George Farlow, Vice Chair of the Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “I am delighted that Smoo Cave is again open for public access. This site makes an important contribution to the local economy through tourism and prime time national television coverage will certainly encourage more people to visit this beautiful part of the Highlands.”
Councillor Farlow, who also chairs the North West Highlands Geopark, will be seeking next year to enhance the interpretation not only at Smoo but also at the Bone Caves at Inchnadamph in Assynt.
“There have been important bone finds recently, probably the oldest lynx finds in Scotland and we would like to highlight this,” he added.