Black Isle coastal sauna plan at Rosemarkie ‘risks harm to site of special scientific interest’, warn critics in submissions to Highland Council planning team
Plans for a sauna overlooking the Moray Firth from the outskirts of Rosemarkie have sparked numerous objections in the community.
Flowerburn Estates is seeking to erect the sauna and separate changing rooms in a disused seaside field just to the north of Rosemarkie and south-east of Flowerburn Mains and Blantyre Mains.
If approved the sauna, which would be open four days a week and create two to three jobs, would be accessible via the existing coastal path that runs north from the village towards Eathie.
But its location has not been well received by some, with its site within a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) being chief among those concerns.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council has also noted those fears in its own response to the planning consultation.
Commenting in their submission, the community council's chair Theo Stratton said: "Following a discussion at the most recent Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council meeting, the following comments were raised by the Community Council regarding concerns for the recent application for the sauna.
"The proposed business is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Concerns regarding access and parking for customers were also noted. The intention was to heat the sauna with a wood-burning stove which raised questions regarding possible local fire risk, and the need for adequate access for emergency vehicles to the site.”
In an additional submission, he added: “Please be aware that the Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council voted to object to the above planning application as the proposed business is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest which will have an affect on the amenity of the local area. This was discussed at our community council meeting on the 4th of June 2025.
“I would appreciate your understanding on this late additional submission and ask that the objection raised by the Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council is taken into consideration for this planning application."
Elsewhere, more than a dozen members of the public have so far voiced their "strong" objections to the proposals. None of the submissions so far have been in favour of the proposal.
Alister Clunas, from Fortrose, said: "The area of the proposed development is one of the few remaining areas of unspoilt coastline on the Black Isle. It is either within or just adjacent to the Rosemarkie to Shandwick SSSI.
"According to NatureScot one of the features is Maritime Cliff which is in unfavourable condition/declining in part due to negative pressures including recreation/disturbance.
"Even if it is outwith the SSSI, this development will increase access and disturbance to the sensitive site."
She added: "There is no need for this development as there is already a mobile sauna that visits the Beach Cafe at Rosemarkie in an area easily accessible and well used by the public."
Paul Nairn, from Rosemarkie, shared similar concerns: "The site is within a designated SSSI, for which we all have a care of duty to preserve. The designation of SSSI is one not to be taken lightly and we should actively protect these environs for the wildlife and enjoyment of all.
"There already well run and community-based sauna facility close to sanitary and other amenities at the Beach Café at Rosemarkie. I do not see why additional units (plural) will be beneficial to the community, especially so far from appropriate facilities. In addition, the current mobile unit provides access for all, including those with mobility challenges."
He also raised concerns over possible fire risk, a lack of access for emergency services, increased noise and beach traffic and the lack of toilet facilities at the sauna.
The latter was also a bone of contention for Highland Council's own environmental health team, which has formally objected to the proposals over the lack of toilet provision for staff at the site.
Officer Zoe Skinner said: "I understand that the development it for the installation of a wood burning sauna and changing facility.
"It is noted that the sauna will have staff present during its operating hours. However there does not appear to be any toilets facilities available for staff.
"Whilst toilets do not need to be provided for patrons, as there will be a staff member on site, suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities should be provided, in a readily accessible location."
She concluded: "For the reasons stated above, our service would object to the application unless provision is made for a staff toilet and hand washing facilities with hot and cold running water."
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