Fort William in Scotland was dubbed the worst part of the country to visit last year. Consumer Magazine gave a score of just 58%, and many call it ugly. However, it is said to be making a comeback.
The town is also struggling with transportation issues and housing shortages. The delay in the renovation of Belford Hospital – a plan proposed since the '90s – forced local people to protest the government's negligence.
But it appears to be round the corner. The business owner says the town is experiencing a “revival” as it gets talked about in the air.
Fort William is a major tourist centre with Glen Coe, Ennevis, Anach Mol and Glenfinnan in nearby areas.
It is a hub for walkers, climbers and mountain bikers, and is a popular base for high altitude breaks.
Over the past decade, new independent shops and restaurants have opened, including Highland Soap Company. The old police station has been transformed into a hotel located in a 4-star accommodation facility where visitors can spend the night on their phones.
Another major player is Skye from Lib Dem MP Inverness and Angus Macdonald from West Ross. He opened Highland Bookshop in 2017 and Highland Cinema in 2020.
Speaking to the Scots, McDonald said:
“I read an article on Vanity Fair a few years ago, and I said that the best way to bring your heart back to your town is to independent cinemas and independent bookstores.
“The bookstore has been an incredible success, and there's no doubt that film will be one of the biggest things I've done in my life.”
“It's somewhere you can take your mother with you. It's a place you can boast to your visitors,” he said. “I really wanted it to be more than a cinema and be the centre of a community that attracts people.”
Ian Peter, chairman of the West Highland Museum, who recently founded the Glen Spain Farmers Market, said there is “undetectedly a new enthusiasm” in the town.
“I think there's more 'getting things' attitude over the past few years. But at this point, there is real energy. Fort William has experienced a revival. ”
The town has a rich history and is connected to the Jacobians through the abandoned in old Fort William and Inver Rocky Castle. It is also located on the edge of Great Glen. Great Glen is located near the head of linnhe, Scotland's longest sea lake.
Nearby areas include the Glencoe National Nature Reserve, the UK's tallest mountains, Bennevis, and Glencoe National Nature Reserve, which has become world-famous by Harry Potter. Each walk from the town brings visitors.
