http://www.ancamasmor.com/
An Camas Mòr / The Big Shore

http://www.rothiemurchus.net/images/Environment/Cambusmore-Main.jpg

Planning Permission in Principle with conditions was granted for the An Camas Mòr proposal on Friday 11th June 2010. The next steps include the preparation of a Landscape and Ecology Plan together with a Masterplan for approval of the Cairngorms National Park Authority. It is hoped that the first homes will be ready for occupation in 2012; the first phase is expected to include 150 affordable homes prioritised for those on local housing lists and 50 for the open market.

Take a look at some of the background and building information - looking like more than just a housing estate, thank God :cheers:
http://www.ancamasmor.com/Pages/Buildings.html

It looks great! Its considered so many of the details I've been worried about (and I'm NOT one to oppose new housing in the Highlands).
Its even got a direct rail link to the capital! (and to London, too. Which might become a USP.)

But (and there's always a "but"), I can't believe it will work without the economic viability generated by the community it attracts. If the majority of residents are in any one social-demographic group then that's what the shops etc (if there are any) will cater for. And its surely going to be either: second homes (so empty a lot of the year), retired folks (maybe golfers, but how many golf buggies does a person need to buy?), home-working earners (who will want to spend leisure time away from the village if they work there all day), or tourism workers (who'll enjoy driving to Inverness for shopping and society).
Okay, I may be wrong with my stereotypes, very wrong. But if any one of several key economic components in the chain doesn't work, then its another Scottish out-of-town housing estate; complete with an "Alldays" convenience store and part time community centre.
A bit like the Borders.
That's what worries me.

[I'll try to be more positive the next time I post about this!]
PS Good idea to start a thread about this, NL

It looks great! Its considered so many of the details I've been worried about (and I'm NOT one to oppose new housing in the Highlands).
Its even got a direct rail link to the capital! (and to London, too. Which might become a USP.)

But (and there's always a "but"), I can't believe it will work without the economic viability generated by the community it attracts. If the majority of residents are in any one social-demographic group then that's what the shops etc (if there are any) will cater for. And its surely going to be either: second homes (so empty a lot of the year), retired folks (maybe golfers, but how many golf buggies does a person need to buy?), home-working earners (who will want to spend leisure time away from the village if they work there all day), or tourism workers (who'll enjoy driving to Inverness for shopping and society).
Okay, I may be wrong with my stereotypes, very wrong. But if any one of several key economic components in the chain doesn't work, then its another Scottish out-of-town housing estate; complete with an "Alldays" convenience store and part time community centre.
A bit like the Borders.
That's what worries me.

[I'll try to be more positive the next time I post about this!]
PS Good idea to start a thread about this, NL

I hear where you're coming from, there is this concern. However, a few things I'd like to mention with regards to demographics / economics:

An Camas Mor is very near to Aviemore, it will essentially be to Aviemore what Balloch was to Inverness (i.e, a village very nearby which will probably be merged into one large settlement in the future, the distant future of course). In saying that, the River Spey lies between An Camas Mor and Aviemore, although from my quick scan of the outline plans I think I saw mention of a bridge right from the early stages between the two. Now Aviemore is no ghost town, it's done very well over the past decade and I can only see that continuing now that the place has a bit of life about it - the ski-ing industry is doing well and the area has diversified well so that there is strong tourism trade in summer (quadbiking, pony trecking, canooing, hiking and all the rest).

Now your concerns about demographics - bear in mind that this is a gradual project, one of the factors which really seems to suggest that this isn't just another housing scheme. The houses and community is going to be built gradually, so I'd imagine that it'll be a lot more sustainable than chucking up say 300 affordable homes and 10 high quality properties. About second homes, well this can't be helped but it really does not seem to be a particular problem in Speyside (with a few exceptions). Above all though, it's worth noting that the Highlands and Islands actually have the highest birth rate in Scotland now (change times indeed!) - so fears of an old demographic is perhaps a bit unfounded, although understandable given the history.

Edit: Oh and of course, the transport links are very good - train station near by, upgrade of the A9 Aviemore to Inverness route (where there is an airport) etc etc.