The History of Falls of Shin
The former Falls of Shin visitor centre, previously owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, nicknamed “Harrods of the North”, was destroyed by fire in May 2013. This left a huge hole in the local economy and many jobs were lost overnight.
Several months of stakeholder meetings followed the disaster, after which Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust applied for project funding to rebuild the popular attraction. The Trust then worked with the community, stakeholders, funders and design team (CH Architecture) to develop the project. Falls of Shin, in its new form, was officially opened in May 2017 with a day of celebration for the local community.
The Trust now owns and manages the award-winning attraction on behalf of the community, with external operators running the restaurant and gift shop.
The new Falls of Shin Visitor Attraction was a finalist in the Scottish Rural Awards for two years running, and the building has been critically acclaimed, receiving recognition in multiple architecture awards. In 2020, Falls of Shin was commended for excellence in community involvement in the Scottish Civic Trust ‘My Place’ awards.
Click below to view a film that was commissioned by the Scottish Civic Trust for the My Place Awards.
KYLE OF SUTHERLAND DEVELOPMENT TRUST
Registered Office: The Barn, Drovers Square, Ardgay, Sutherland, IV24 3AL
Tel: 01863 766190
development@kyleofsutherland.co.uk
Scottish Charity: SC043587
Company Ltd By Guarantee:
Scottish Registration: SC401019
VAT registration number: 251 4030 53
Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 9:00-17:00
Sat: closed
Sun: closed