The billionaire ruler of Dubai has tried to calm fears that bringing his massive entourage to his Scottish Highland hideaway will not damage the public road or cause much more traffic.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum is facing opposition – including from the church and local community council – to his plans for a massive development at his Highland retreat which has been likened to a Travel Inn.
The sheikh is currently seeking planning permission for another 37 bedrooms at his Wester Ross retreat.
His architects say the family’s trips – which involve a combination of his multiple wives, 23 children, other relatives, bodyguards and servants – to Inverinate have been “limited by lack of accommodation” – despite already having 30 bedrooms there.
The sheikh has made the application to Highland Council through his company Smech Properties Ltd, which has submitted plans for two more lodges – one for 19 bedrooms, another for nine – as well as a nine-bedroom house.
The sheikh’s company has said: “The proposed lodges are for the sole, exclusive use of the current land owner and guests. They will not be rented out for tourist use. As with the current lodges, occupation is infrequent. They are not occupied for large periods of the year.
“It is anticipated that there will be no significant increase in car movements above the existing traffic flow following completion of the construction phases.
“As with the current lodges, the majority of visits to the property are by either coach or helicopter, supported by a fleet of six 4×4 cars for shooting parties/visits.
“There is no recorded data available on frequency of visits or length of duration.”
One of the lodges – Ptarmigan – has drawn protests including from Miss Tina MacLeod, who wrote: “The sheer size of this colossal building would dwarf the existing church building at least twice over, according to the location plan.
“Is this traditional Highland estate set to become yet another playground resort for the rich with little or no benefit to the local community?”
The architect has now made some layout alterations to the Ptarmigan lodge after a site visit with a council officer.
Around Inverinate the sheikh is well-liked, employing several local people. He built a community centre, gifted land for a day care centre and sheltered housing and gives venison to the elderly.
