Plans have been unveiled to transform an abandoned township into a brand-new outdoor activity centre on the shores of Loch Tay, offering Scottish youths opportunities for outdoor adventure, confidence building, and environmental connection.

Charity Generation Hope has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) to Perth and Kinross Council for an outdoor activity camp at Blarmore township on Carie Farm, located along the northern shore of Loch Tay in Perthshire.

Generation Hope works with teenagers aged 12 to 15 from schools and community groups nationwide, welcoming individuals of all faith backgrounds and none. The charity was founded by Magnus and Julie MacFarlane-Barrow, who also established international school meals charity Mary's Meals, though Generation Hope operates independently.

While Generation Hope currently runs outdoor camps at Loch Monzievard, growing demand from schools has driven the need for a permanent base.

The planned Carie centre would enable the charity to run more camps throughout the school year. The initiative aligns with the recent Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Act, which mandates that all state and grant-aided pupils receive at least four nights and five days of residential outdoor education during their school years.

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Participants will engage in activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, archery, team games, and other outdoor pursuits.

Site designs incorporate accommodation cabins, staff quarters, dining and kitchen facilities, an outdoor play area, and access facilities for primarily non-motorised water activities on Loch Tay. Plans also include potential restoration of an existing derelict historic building on-site for use as a meeting space or chapel.

The design relies on existing woodland for natural screening, while cabin placement follows the contours of the landscape and reflects the historical settlement pattern. Respect and care for nature will form a central part of camp culture, alongside environmental education focused on woodland creation, management, and biodiversity.

The proposed development aims to support the local economy by creating jobs and sourcing food, equipment, and supplies from local businesses where possible.

Community consultation will take place prior to a full planning application, including two public events scheduled for 27 October and 2 December at McLean Hall in Fearnan. Generation Hope targets early 2027 for its planning submission.

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."