Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, near the iconic Loch Ness, lies the village of Fort Augustus. We were thrilled to bring a unique imagination-led play project to life here for the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company. The goal? To design a show-stopping natural playground that reflected the heritage and natural beauty of Fort Augustus – a place steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic landscapes.
We proposed a custom-designed timber fort, inspired by the character of the area, as part of our Imagination Play Collection. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and after our proposal, we were delighted to be awarded the project. Once funding was secured through community-led fundraising, we worked closely on several design iterations to ensure the final project met the needs of children across different age groups and had no shortage of options for play.
The centrepiece of the playground is an expansive, handcrafted timber fort – designed to spark imagination. It features multiple towers with varying roofs and lookout points, gangplanks, wobble bridges, and rope bridges that encourage exploration and balance. Children can crawl through net tunnels, climb monkey bars, and race down slides. The structure was designed with a castle-like feel to reflect the area’s history, blending fantasy with functionality.
To add excitement and dynamic movement, we included a standalone zip wire – always a favourite with older children looking for a bit of thrill. On the other side of the fort is where the swings stand; a large nest swing, perfect for inclusive play alongside some infant swings, making this playground a perfect day out for the whole family!
For a play space slightly away from the main star of the show is a multiplay area perfect for the younger children. This space includes three main towers alongside a range of accessories like mini rock walls and activity panels, such as our popular Tic Tac Toe panel. To maintain a natural look and feel, grass mats were carefully installed only where surfacing was needed. Once the grass grows through, they’re virtually invisible – blending seamlessly into the environment.
This playground is more than just equipment – it’s a community space built to spark imagination, fuel outdoor adventures, and create lifelong memories.
