This is how a historic hunting lodge in the Aberdeenshire wilderness could look following a major revamp.
The Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA) has announced it will make the final call on whether to proceed with plans to redevelop the derelict Victorian-era Derry Lodge, on the Mar Lodge Estate.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) lodged the proposals to convert the C-listed building, west of Braemar, into a 20-bedroom hostel with space for two staff, retaining its lounge and dining rooms.
The structure, roughly three miles from any road, is a well-known feature to walkers, and is located at the starting point to walks through to Glen Derry and the mighty Lairig Ghru pass.
The plans were originally submitted to Aberdeenshire Council, who then forwarded them on to the CNPA; who will make the decision on whether or not to approve them.
If backed, in the summer months Derry Lodge would be open to group bookings with live-in staff, and throughout the winter could be let as a single or two self-catering units.
Residents at the revamped inn would still be required to “walk in and walk out” as they do now.
The building is believed to date back to 1859 and is said to have once been visited by Queen Victoria.
Developers Bell Ingram Design claim Derry Lodge has recently become a “drinking den”, adding the revamp will be ideal for walkers, tourists and outdoor lovers before and after taking to the hills.
Announcing the “call-in” of the application, the CNPA said: “The proposals involve alterations to a listed building in a remote location to create hostel accommodation where there is currently only wild camping and limited bothy accommodation.
“The proposals raise issues of significance for the natural and cultural heritage and in relation to the enjoyment and understanding of the national park.
“The proposals involve internal and external alterations and the provision of biomass heating and associated store to provide accommodation for approximately 20 guests and two residential staff.
“The building is considered an important part of the areas cultural heritage.”
An NTS spokesman said its focus remained on “essential repairs” caused by Storm Frank at Mar Lodge and the plans for the building were not time sensitive.
He added: “The Trust has been working on plans for Derry Lodge on the Mar Lodge Estate, scoping a possible project to create accommodation there.”
