Lochaber Geopark Association Aims

  • Raise awareness of Lochaber’s outstanding geology and geomorphology, both locally and beyond the area.
  • Promote awareness and appreciation of the links between the geological heritage, the natural heritage, the cultural heritage, the landscape and land use in Lochaber.
  • Encourage and support the sensitive interpretation of Lochaber’s geological heritage.
  • Encourage and support economic and social development based on Lochaber’s geological heritage.
  • Encourage educational initiatives, training opportunities and research activities that relate to Lochaber’s geological heritage.
  • Encourage and promote the sustainable use of geological resources in Lochaber.

Our Vision

We, as a charity (non profit) community-based organisation, want to benefit the local area by providing information on the local geology  and its importance for local communities.  We work to conserve and enhance the local geological heritage at the same time as providing education and explaining the relationship between geology and broader environmental issues.

In Our Present Work We Are Wanting To:

  • Become self-sustaining and keep our Visitor Centre open
  • Provide outreach education, helping with the ‘curriculum for excellence’ and STEM learning, in local area
  • Introduce our “Friends of Lochaber Geopark” membership
  • Roll out Geotours

Our Future

We hope to develop our vision, but to do so we need funding. Without this we will no longer be able to continue our work. That is why we need your support. Find out how you can support us here.

Our Impact

Over the years we have had a large impact on the local community and visitors in Lochaber. With our interpretation panels, visitor centres, publications and tours we provide the platform for promoting our geoheritage and inviting sustainable tourism. This has a positive economic impact on Lochaber by getting people to experience areas that are not visited as much. In 2017 35, 000 people came in to our Visitor Centre and 2018 looks set to be higher. Our volunteers in our Visitor Centre provide information for visitors in a friendly and helpful manner, whilst promoting other places to visit in the area and in the town. The education we provide helps local children be taught about Lochaber in a way that they would not otherwise be able to be taught about.

Our Achievements

1 Opening of our Visitor Centre on Fort William High Street

2 Installation of 26 interpretation panels around Lochaber

3 Being part of the European Geoparks Network between 2007-11

4 Producing our own publications such as Birth of Ben Nevis Book, Geological Timeline, Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis Map and Guide, Pamphlet on Charles Darwin and Parallel Roads of Glen Roy, Geotrails and Rock Routes Pamphlets and kids ‘What Can Rocks Tell Us’ poster.

5 Making of our locally produced, true-to-scale Ben Nevis chocolates

6 Being the Primary Sponsor of Lochaber’s first Primary STEM Science Fair

7 Teaching the local geology course at the local college

8 Having international visitors and educational groups come on our geology tours

9 Production of our Birth of Ben Nevis Film

10 Visits from the Queen and Professor Iain Stewart

11 Being part of the international projects such as Drifting Apart