Ruin on Summer Isles' biggest island, Tanera Mor, becomes latest building earmarked for return to habitable use after plans are submitted to Highland Council

ANOTHER ruin on the largest of the Summer Isles could be returned to habitable use under plans lodged with Highland Council.

A ruin situated to the rear of the Old Inn on Tanera Mor could be turned into a byre by Summer Isles Enterprises. Retrospective permission is also sort for the formation of an access to the site.

In a design statement submitted alongside the application, they argue that the fabric of the ruin is of such poor condition that they plan to take down all of the stonework as used it to rebuild the ruin in a "like for like basis".

The finished building would comprise a bedroom and a bathroom, with

"The stone will be set aside for re-use and all stonework will be pointed using hydraulic lime mortar," they said. "The ruin will be restored in line with other ruins and buildings on the island with stone walls, timber sash and case windows, timber doors and slate roof. The ruin will be renovated/reconstructed to a high standard.

"The detailed design has been formulated to ensure that the development respects the character of the site and its surroundings. The choice of materials and detailed elements of the massing and design have been developed to ensure a high-quality response to the local environment thereby making a positive contribution to the site’s immediate and wider context."

Although the written part of the application refers to rebuilding a ruin, the design statement refers to two ruins and a site location drawing show that the wider finished site would comprise two small buildings.

The work is part of wider plans to restore much of Tanera Mor's ruins to functioning use, as part of ambitious multi-million pound plans by the island's owners.

Click here to read more Ross-shire news.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.