PLANS have been unveiled to bring an abandoned township back to life as a new outdoor activity centre on the shores of Loch Tay.
Generation Hope is seeking planning permission for an outdoor activity camp at Blarmore township on Carie Farm, located on the northern shore of Loch Tay in Perthshire.
The charity works with teenagers aged 12–15 from schools and community groups across the country. It was founded by Magnus and Julie MacFarlane-Barrow, who also established Mary’s Meals, the international charity that provides school meals to more than three million children every school day in some of the world’s poorest communities. Generation Hope runs independently of that charity.
Generation Hope already runs successful outdoor camps at Loch Monzievard, but a growing need from schools means it now requires a permanent base. The proposed Carie centre would allow Generation Hope to expand the number of camps it runs throughout the school year, reaching many more young people.
Crucially, the proposals support the recent schools (residential outdoor education) (Scotland) act, which requires all pupils in state and grant-aided schools to have the chance to experience at least four nights and five days of residential outdoor education during their time at school.
Young people would have the opportunity to take part in activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, team games, and other outdoor pursuits – helping develop confidence, independence, teamwork and new skills.
The proposals include accommodation cabins, staff accommodation, dining and kitchen facilities, an outdoor playing area and facilities providing access to Loch Tay for largely non-motorised water-based activities. There is also the potential to restore the historic derelict building on the site as a chapel or meeting space.
The development has been carefully designed to sit sensitively within its spectacular Loch Tay setting. Existing woodland would provide natural screening, while the cabin layout would follow the landscape’s contours and reflect the site’s historic settlement pattern.
An emphasis on engendering respect and care for nature will be a dominant theme in young people’s induction to, and the culture of, the camp. Environmental education would also be at the heart of the centre, with young people encouraged to learn about and participate in woodland creation, management and biodiversity enhancement.
A proposal of application notice (PoAN) has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council, initiating formal consultation with the community before a planning application is submitted. This includes two public consultation events on October 27 and December 2 at the McLean Hall in Fearnan. Generation Hope expects to submit a planning application in early 2027.
A spokesperson for Generation Hope said, “This is a unique opportunity to create a special place on the shores of Loch Tay where young people from across Scotland can experience the outdoors, try new things and develop skills, confidence and friendships that can stay with them for life.
“Our existing camps have been hugely successful, but demand from schools has grown well beyond what our current facilities can accommodate.
“Carie would give us the space to welcome more young people and provide an unforgettable outdoor experience in one of Scotland’s most inspiring natural settings, delivering significant social, health and environmental benefits.
“We are very conscious of the special environment at Loch Tay, and the proposals are being carefully designed to sit sensitively within the landscape, while also giving young people the opportunity to learn about, enjoy and help care for God’s creation.
“We look forward to extensive engagement with the local community on our proposals, answer any queries and respond to feedback received and explore positive collaborations.”
