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Fairy Glen Retreats pods bid on Black Isle targets surging visitor demand





Looking north towards the proposed parking/turning area and pods from enhanced grassland/wildflower meadow.Picture: Artist impression supplied with planning application
Looking north towards the proposed parking/turning area and pods from enhanced grassland/wildflower meadow.Picture: Artist impression supplied with planning application

PROPOSALS for five glamping pods in a popular area of the Black Isle will help meet surging demand, it has been claimed.

A bid to install the pods north of Whinhill Quarry Depot in Rosemarkie has been tabled with Highland Council.

A statement submitted on behalf of applicant Toby Watson says the pods, close to visitor hotspot the Fairy Glen and less than a mile from the centre of Rosemarkie, will be a year-round operation meeting demand from visitors and providing a boost to the local economy.

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The ‘high-end’ pods, boasting wood-burning hot tubs, would be constructed off site and delivered as full units.

The applicant sees the development as offering luxury holiday accommodation to visitors within a suitable travelling distance of Rosemarkie, Fortrose and Inverness. He believes it’s an ecologically viable proposal which will cause minimal disruption.

It will target couples and small families with party groups “not permitted”. He does not anticipate noise nuisance being an issue as there are no neighbouring properties.

Another artist impression of the pods. Picture: Highland Council ePlanning papers
Another artist impression of the pods. Picture: Highland Council ePlanning papers

The glamping site would be reached off the A832 and have a total of seven parking spaces - one per bedroom and an extra for site maintenance and cleaning.

The proposed site is described as a former quarry subsequently used as a Highland Council roads depot. The brownfield site is currently used for vehicle storage.

A supporting statement says: “There is a clear demand for tourist accommodation within the area as outlined in the accompanying market research document. Other glamping sites in this area and across the Highlands are thriving, and increasing numbers of visitors suggest this trend will continue.”

An impression of what the pods will look like. Source: Highland Council ePlanning
An impression of what the pods will look like. Source: Highland Council ePlanning

It says Fairy Glen Retreats will “provide a new and exciting accommodation option for Rosemarkie and the surrounding area offering a unique relaxing and sustainable stay in nature”.

The proposal is under consideration by Highland Council.


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