A Highland Landscape Transformed
The journey north from Blair Atholl in November 1975 revealed a changing Highlands, where increased traffic to oil construction sites had left an unusual number of dead sheep along roadside verges. While the autumnal colours in Tayside's forests remained spectacular, they soon gave way to the bleaker open lands of Badenoch.
The Concrete Intrusion
At Dalwhinnie, a prominent black and white structure initially evoked images of a Tibetan monastery from a distance, but closer inspection revealed it to be one of the many distilleries lining the River Spey, famous for their single malt whiskies flavoured by the unique river water.
The main shock awaited at Aviemore, previously known only as an access point for skiing and climbing on Cairn Gorm. Designated for development as an all-year-round tourist village, the result was a concrete jumble of hotels and leisure facilities that seemed completely disconnected from its rural setting.
Perspective from the Reserve
The development introduced traditional highland pastimes like go-kart racing and pinball games, leaving the original community apparently in a state of shock at this 'cuckoo in its midst'. However, from the nature reserve to the west, the view back across Aviemore to Cairn Gorm provided crucial perspective.
The grandeur of the highland scenery ultimately dwarfed the rash of new buildings, managing to quieten even the cacophony of raucous music blasting upwards from the amusement arcade, putting the tourist complex firmly in its place within the majestic landscape.
