Geo Treasure Hunt
Geo Treasure Hunt: Transcending Barriers Through Adventure and Discovery
At Voluntary Action Lochaber, we’re passionate about creating opportunities that bring people together and strengthen the bonds that make our communities vibrant and resilient. As we begin a new chapter around the future of Cow Hill Hall, we’ve been listening closely to what is close to the heart of the people who live nearby.
During early conversations, it became clear that the communities of Plantation and Upper Achintore both have strong connections to the land — with a deep sense of pride and identity tied to the spaces they call home. While this can sometimes mean a hesitation to cross into each other's “patch,” it also speaks to just how valued and meaningful these places are. That pride is something to be respected and built upon — not smoothed over.
To help bring people together in a way that felt engaging and inclusive, we created the Geo Treasure Hunt — a fun, family-friendly activity designed to encourage shared exploration of the area and spark new conversations about its past, present, and future.
Launched on May 29th, the treasure hunt invites participants to embark on a geographical adventure, solving clues and answering questions tailored to three age groups:
Primary school children are introduced to local landmarks and fun facts through colourful, simple prompts.
Secondary school students take on slightly more challenging clues that dig into heritage, environment, and local change.
Adults reflect on the area’s evolution and share ideas for what the future might look like — for today’s families and those yet to come.
Importantly, we wanted this activity to be welcoming to everyone in the wider community. Upper Fort William is home to at least 15 nationalities, so to break down language barriers and truly open the experience to all, the quiz was translated into the five most commonly spoken tongues in the area. This made it possible for a broader range of families to take part comfortably and showcase the diversity of this particular area of Lochaber.
We’ve been thrilled by the response — in the first 10 days alone, 107 people completed their first challenge. It’s a clear sign that residents are keen not only to learn more about their surroundings, but also to take part in shaping a shared future.
More than just a game, the Geo Treasure Hunt is a gentle and enjoyable way of encouraging people from Plantation and Upper Achintore to step into each other’s spaces, discover common ground, and build confidence in working together. It’s a small step with huge potential.
This marks the beginning of a wider programme of community activities running into 2026, all aimed at building momentum around Cow Hill Hall — the future 'space for all'.
Through initiatives like this, we’re not only raising its profile, but also helping shape a place where people will feel seen, heard, and invested in for years to come.
To find out more and stay updated on what’s next, visit www.cowhillhall.com