The Caithness Broch Project (CBP), The Flow Country Partnership (FCP), the Environmental Research Institute of UHI North, West and Hebrides, and Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Development Company (LLCCDC) have formed a strategic collaboration to create a landmark heritage, environmental and community destination near Latheron in Caithness.

Located at the eastern edge of the UNESCO Flow Country World Heritage Site, the project will establish a unique visitor attraction combining Iron Age heritage, environmental education, academic research and outdoor recreation. Together, the partners aim to create an iconic destination that showcases the historic and natural assets of Caithness to a global audience while delivering lasting benefits for local communities.

Shared Objective

To create an iconic location, facility and visitor destination that showcases the unique historic and environmental significance of Caithness to the world.

Specific Project Objectives

Caithness Broch Project

To construct the first replica Iron Age broch built in over 2,000 years, using authentic materials and traditional construction techniques wherever modern safety standards allow. The broch will serve as a visitor attraction, educational resource and archaeological research facility.

The Flow Country Partnership

To develop visitor interpretation facilities that explain the global environmental significance of the UNESCO Flow Country World Heritage Site, including the importance of peatland restoration and carbon capture. The project aligns with the Flow Country's international profile and conservation objectives. 

UHI North, West and Hebrides

To establish environmental and habitat research projects linked to the Flow Country and surrounding landscapes, supporting biodiversity, restoration initiatives and public understanding of environmental science.

LLCCDC

To develop an integrated network of walking and cycling routes connecting the site with nearby archaeological, cultural and natural heritage assets, enhancing both visitor experiences and local amenities.

Strategic Fit

The project strongly supports the priorities identified within the Caithness Area Place Plan, particularly those relating to tourism, active travel, community wellbeing, sustainable economic growth and the promotion of Caithness as a distinctive destination. The Area Place Plan highlights tourism, active travel and the development of a diverse economy as key priorities for the region.   By combining heritage conservation, environmental education, research and outdoor recreation, the project contributes directly to these ambitions while helping attract sustainable investment and visitor spending to the area.

Progress to Date

Significant groundwork has already been completed:

• A Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed with the landowner for the purchase of the proposed site.
• Community fundraising to purchase the land is progressing successfully and has been supported entirely through public donations.
• A formal collaboration agreement has been established between CBP, FCP, UHI and LLCCDC.
• The Crofting Commission has approved de-crofting of the site, subject to completion of the statutory appeal period.
• The partnership vision has been established, positioning the site as a potential eastern gateway to the Flow Country World Heritage Site. 

Delivery Programme

Stage 1: Site Acquisition

• Complete de-crofting process.
• Purchase site through community-raised funds.

No external funding required.

Stage 2: Infrastructure Development

• Complete detailed design of the traffic junction, internal access road and parking facilities.
• Obtain professional quotations and costings.
• Secure capital funding.
• Procure and appoint contractors through an open tender process.
• Deliver enabling infrastructure works.

Stage 3: Visitor Destination Development

• Commence construction of the replica broch.
• Provide temporary visitor facilities.
• Develop Flow Country interpretation and educational exhibits.
• Initiate UHI research projects.
• Develop walking and cycling trail networks and secure access agreements.
• Construct permanent shared visitor facilities serving heritage, environmental and community purposes.

Anticipated Timescale

Once the site has been acquired and initial development phase funding has been secured, we anticipate work beginning within 12 months.  Depending on future funding being secured, the entire development is predicted to be complete five years after start date.

Anticipated Outcomes

The project will:

• Create a nationally and internationally significant visitor attraction unique to Caithness and Scotland.
• Strengthen awareness of Caithness' internationally important archaeological and environmental heritage.
• Support sustainable tourism and longer visitor stays.
• Generate additional economic activity for local businesses.
• Enhance opportunities for education, research and skills development.
• Improve community access to active recreational facilities  .
• Promote understanding of climate change, peatland restoration and biodiversity.
• Establish a gateway destination connecting cultural heritage with the UNESCO Flow Country World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

This ambitious collaboration brings together community organisations, environmental specialists and academic institutions to deliver a transformational project for Caithness. By celebrating both the county's remarkable Iron Age heritage and its globally significant natural environment, the Caithness Broch and UNESCO Flow Country Gateway Project will create a lasting legacy that benefits residents, visitors, researchers and future generations while supporting the priorities of the Caithness Area Place Plan.