Plans have been unveiled for a world class shooting lodge and spa in the Highlands which could create at least 100 new jobs.
Applicant Wildland Ltd wants to achieve its new tourism masterplan by renovating a series of existing buildings spanning the Kinloch, Hope and Loyal estates in North West of Sutherland.
The project focuses in the area around Hope Lodge, which will continue to be used as a sporting lodge to be let to guests, but will be restored and gain an additional wing which will include a larger dining room, a new working gun room and more en-suite bedrooms.
Surrounding cottages and outbuildings will be restored or upgraded to provide visitor and worker accommodation.
A central facility for visitors would also be built in the upper deer park to the north of the existing Kinloch Lodge – six miles to the south east of Hope Lodge – and would be known as the Wildland Hub and Spa.
This centre will provide a host of recreational activities for guests.
The planning support statement states that the tourism facility will be more like resorts seen in Patagonia or Northern Canada than existing resorts in Scotland such as Skibo or Stobo.
An extract from the design statement for the project reads: “The Wildland project will have a significant impact on the local economy by providing in excess of 100 full time employment positions as well as generating other employment in the area.”
It adds: “Central to the proposal is a new world-class recreational facility which, due to its central location, is perfectly positioned to provide access to the rest of the estate and will serve as a base for exploring the Wildland”.
As well as tourism, the planning statement suggests there will be room for housing development at Tongue – including affordable housing – and further facilities and infrastructure.
In the earlier stage of the planning process it had been anticipated that a short section of the adjacent A838 road would need to be relocated – but following a feasibility study this is no longer the case.
The planning statement also emphasises that where possible, construction materials will be sustainably sourced and renewable energy could be sourced from a small hydro plant.
Wildland Ltd is the management company established by Anders Holch Povlsen who owns the estates concerned under these proposals.
The company has been managing the estates of Glen Feshie for a decade and has established a reputation for sound ecological management.
The planning application was received by Highland Council on August 2.
