Highland Council planning officers have recommended approval for a sensitive renovation and extension of the Dores Inn on Loch Ness, owned by Anders Holch Povlsen and his wife Anne. The WildLand-led plans include a bakery, café and shop, improved parking and upgraded toilets, and a new extension designed to "repair and enhance" the building's character. Work would be phased to keep Dores Beach accessible. The proposals are out for public consultation and will be considered by the council's south planning applications committee next week.
Planning Officers Recommend Approval For Dores Inn Revamp On Loch Ness
Anders Holch Povlsen owns a number of Highland estates and properties [Getty Images]
Highland Council planning officers have recommended approval for plans to renovate and extend the Dores Inn, a historic pub on the southern shore of Loch Ness owned by Anders Holch Povlsen and his wife, Anne.
Proposed Improvements
The WildLand-led scheme would sensitively refurbish the early-19th-century building and add a new extension designed to "repair and enhance" the existing architecture. The proposals include a small bakery, a café and a shop to serve locals and visitors, alongside improved car parking and upgraded toilet facilities.
Access, Phasing And Consultation
The plans have been published for public consultation and will be considered by Highland Council's south planning applications committee next week. WildLand says construction would be carried out in phases to ensure Dores Beach remains open and accessible throughout the works.
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."
The Dores Inn dates to about the 1820s and is a well-known local landmark. It was visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1967. Past proprietors have included respected community figure Ella Macrae. Anders and Anne Holch Povlsen also own nearby Aldourie Castle and several Highland estates; the Dores Inn project is part of their wider WildLand landscape conservation initiative.
The council committee will review public feedback before making a final decision.
Help us improve.
