Bungee jumping
A Scots extreme sports company is set to turn a Highland beauty spot in to Britain's first purpose-built bungee jumping site.
Highland Fling has been given permission to build a 154-feet high platform over an iconic Highlands gorge for thrill-seekers to throw themselves off from.
The plans involve the installation of a spectacular bungee jump platform at picturesque Garry Bridge, spanning the River Garry, just north of Pitlochry.
Perth and Kinross councillors imposed a series of conditions on the project, including one banning jumps before 10am.
The extreme sport of bungee jumping, where an elastic rubber cord is tied to daredevils' ankles before they leap from a great height, has become a worldwide phenomenon over the last 25 years.
There are many bungee sites operating across the UK, but the site will be the first specially-built platform jump, offering a picturesque setting "in the true spirit of bungee."
John Mason-Strang, co-owner of Nae Limits, said Highland Perthshire was already Scotland's adventure tourism hotspot, and with the addition of a top bungee site, will soon become a top UK destination.
He said: "It is long overdue for Scotland. We have been running adventure sports here for 12 years now, and if I had a quid for every time I was asked for bungee, I would be a wealthy man.
"Highland Perthshire is one of the key destinations in the UK for adventure sports. We have the best commercial white water rafting, canyoning, spherering, river bugging, and adventure tubing, all within five minutes of the bungee site. To have bungee as well would make us unique and put Highland Perthshire on the map at the same time.
"The view from the bridge looking northwards is one of the most iconic views in Scotland, and one that Visit Scotland use in their marketing. It is over Killiecrankie historic battleground, and with the gorge with the river running through it, mountains in the background, forests, it is very much what you would expect for a top bungee site."
He added: "We have a very close relationship with National Trust for Scotland and we have worked together to try and create a unique visitor experience. We want adventure sports, wildlife, historic, - the people who come visit can take walks along the historic gorge to the jump site, where there will be specifically built platforms for optimum viewing.
"It is a very unique platform design which has already won awards for its innovative style and shape. It is very exciting and we're on tenterhooks just now waiting for the final council decision."
Perth and Kinross Council's development control committee have been urged to support the plans, which they say would significantly boost visitor numbers.
Development quality manager Nick Brian said: "The scale, mass and design of the proposal are considered to be appropriate for the location. The proposal will boost the number of visitors to the area and is compatible with other leisure activities offered."
