Plans have been unveiled to convert a disused quarry in Ross-shire into a £10million luxury tourist destination.
Natural Retreats wants to build about 40 high quality, self catering lodges at Logie Quarry on the Balnagown Estate that will be available all year round.
Local residents will get their chance to study the plans at exhibitions being held later this month.
Millionaire Mohamed Al Fayed, who owns the estate at Kildary, first instigated the idea to redevelop the old working quarry site in 2002, with a view to build a host of five-bedroom homes.
Now, the luxury accommodation provider wants to build a mixture of two, three and four bedroom properties within the 225-acre site. A small cafe will also be incorporated into the project.
It is anticipated that up to 20 jobs will be created at the retreat, which hopes to offer guests and members of the public access to local outdoor facilities such as fishing, walking and mountain biking.
Natural Retreats aims to submit plans by the start of Summer 2016 and, subject to the length of the planning process, start building in early 2017 with a view to opening in 2018.
Adam Gough, head of technical services for Natural Retreats in Europe, said: “We are excited because the site and location allows that scale of investment. We think it could be a fantastic addition in terms of our commitment to local employment and by using local suppliers and adding value to the local economy. We think the development would be worth about £1million to the local economy.
“The most important thing is that we work with activity providers in the area, such as the local angling club. The whole purpose of this is to form part of the community as much as possible. The hope is that it could be a large resort using local facilities.”
Public drop-in sessions will take place in the Clan Ross room in the Royal Hotel, Tain, on Tuesday, January 19 from 1pm-7pm and on Wednesday, January 20 from 11am-4pm.
Comments on the proposal can be made by post to Whitecroft House, 51 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5BQ or by e-mail to planning@naturalretreats.com
Reference to “Logie Quarry” should be made on all correspondence.