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A ‘global destination’, a planning row and a REALLY big shed: Latest on multi-millionaire’s six-year vision to transform Wicker Man island

Multi-millionaire hedge fund tycoon Ian Wace and his wife Saffron Aldridge.
Multi-millionaire hedge fund tycoon Ian Wace and his wife Saffron Aldridge.

A multi-millionaire’s vision to transform Tanera Mor has taken a step forward after a planning hiccup.

In 2017, English hedge fund mogul Ian Wace purchased the largest of the Summer Isles, off the west coast, for £1.7 million.

The island, lying off the Coigach peninsula near Achiltibuie, is now the hub of Summer Isles Enterprises.

The island provided inspiration for the horror film The Wicker Man.

Mr Wace is overseeing major work which could turn the island into an idyllic retreat which can host up to 60 paying guests.

What was the planning row?

Earlier this week, Highland Council gave their approval to already-built extensions to a former aviation hangar which will be an assembly space for guests to the island.

Summer Isles Enterprises Limited, had applied for permission for the change of use to the entire building for leisure purposes and extensions to form two wings.

However, planning officers raised concerns as the works had been carried out without planning permission.

Asked why work had taken place ahead of the application, the company’s agents simply wrote: “Further work continued out with original application.”

After much discussion, officers decided the proposal could go ahead.

The former aviation hangar which will be leisure facility for retreat visitors.

The Hangar was originally built in 1924 and is one of Britain’s oldest aviation structures.

The functional interior space will be used for big groups and includes a large open space for dining, entertaining, fitness and day rooms as well as a fully equipped kitchen and gym.

The front of the hangar.

The rear extension houses the kitchen, sanitary facilities and studio.

Meanwhile, the two side extensions house the gym in one and space to park a vehicle under cover on the other.

History of Tanera Mor

The project started in April 2017 and currently employs more than 100 people.

Mr Wace’s dream is to provide a unique experience and high level of service to visiting clients to the island.

The island was once a port for herring fishing and suffered during the decline of the industry.

In 1881, no fewer than 118 people lived on Tanera Mor and all left by 1931.

Tanera Mor.

Architects say the redevelopment of the island has included several roads.

In a statement, they added: “At the start of the project there were nine inhabitable dwellings. Most of these dwellings have been adapted, often having dormers and porches added at a later date.

‘All properties will be taken back to their original stone with any modern alterations or extensions removed or improved.

Drone picture of hangar.

‘A significant investment is earmarked for development to bring the island facilities in line with what is necessary to unlock its full potential.

‘One end of the island is close to completion; various sites elsewhere are still very much in the construction phase.”

See layout of leisure and assembly facility:

Floor plan for transformation of hangar to leisure facility.

Spotted any planning applications you think we should know about? Get in touch at sean.mcangus@pressandjournal.co.uk.

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