Councillors have given the go-ahead for a revamp of a pub owned by Scotland's richest man after plans for the Dores Inn went before Highland Council's south planning applications committee. Anders Holch Povlsen and his wife Anne own the Dores Inn as well as the nearby 300-year-old Aldourie Castle and a number of Highland estates.
The Povlsens are developing the Dores Inn, in the village of Dores on Loch Ness, through their WildLand landscape conservation project. The proposals include a bakery, cafe, shop and 116-space car park, as well as improved toilet provision.
What did councillors approve?
Councillors approved the plans for the Dores Inn, which date back to about the 1820s, after the proposals were presented to Highland Council's south planning applications committee, external. They said WildLand had done a
good jobof the public consultation and welcomed confirmation that access to Dores beach and nearby woodland would continue during the two-year, phased construction work.
The committee was told Nessie hunter Steve Feltham's base would remain where it was.
What changes are planned for the pub?
It has been proposed that the pub should be refurbished and have a new extension. WildLand said the extension would be designed to
repair and enhancethe existing architecture of the building. WildLand said the new building would
repair and enhancethe historic pub and restaurant.
WildLand has previously said construction would be phased to ensure that Dores Beach remained open and accessible.
What did WildLand say about the work?
In February, Joe Dunn, WildLand's director of built development, said:
These proposals reflect a considered and incremental approach to looking after a place that is used and valued by many people.
The focus has been on understanding the site, listening to feedback, and allowing the landscape and everyday use of the area to guide how change is made.
Why is the Dores Inn notable?
The Dores Inn pub and restaurant is a landmark on the southern shore of Loch Ness, south of Inverness. It was visited by Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip in 1967.
Over the years, owners of the Dores Inn have included local community stalwart Ella Macrae. The committee also heard that the pub's development would sit alongside the wider WildLand project across the surrounding Highland estates and properties owned by the Povlsens.
The Dores Inn is a prominent feature on the shore of Loch Ness, with the nearby beach and woodland remaining part of the public focus during the planned work.
The phased construction is intended to allow the site to keep operating in some form while the refurbishment and extension are carried out over two years.
