Planning application 'masterplan' unveils future hopes for preservation of WWI site at North Sutor, Easter Ross, and its promotion to tourists
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AMBITIOUS hopes to protect key pieces of Ross-shire wartime history and boost their tourism potential have been raised following the submission of a new planning application.
A change of use application has been submitted by Castlecraig Farms on the Tarbat peninsula in a bid to create an 11-cabin glamping site overlooking the Moray Firth.
The farm sits to the north-east of the North Sutor – near the entrance to the Cromarty Firth and the area’s famous decaying World War I and II gun batteries.
And, while the glamping site would be set over the “crest” of the hill to the north-east of the historical spot, a masterplan submitted with the application has raised the possibility of other potential developments over the coming five to 10 years to help “create a sustainable future for these relatively well preserved monuments”.
The owner of the farm, David Whiteford, is also the chairman of the North Highland Initiative – the company behind the creation of the North Coast 500.
He believes the Tarbat peninsula has untapped tourism potential thanks to its varied history – ranging from Pictish through to wartime – and that moves to increase the size of Nigg and Cromarty’s ferry slipways will fuel travel demand.
The masterplan submitted alongside the glamping proposal includes potential for a new solar farm on land west of the farm buildings, as well as a new visitor centre with café and historical interpretation about the gun batteries, and other potential tourist elements – such as Nissen hut shelter style holiday accommodation inspired by the area’s WWI links, and off-grid eco-tourism.
Speaking to the Journal, Mr Whiteford stressed that the masterplan is more of an aspirational wish-list of ideas as he looks – in partnership with his nephew Stephen – to diversify his farm’s operations to handle future agricultural trends and grow the area’s tourism. He said it could take upwards of 10 years to realise – and would be subject to change, with some elements dropped and others added in response to detailed consultation with the community and various agencies.
In a statement included with the application, his planning agent GLM, said: “The inclusion of eco-tourist accommodation at the Castlecraig farm and the North Sutor Batteries opens up the natural and historic landscape to a wider audience.
“The venue will offer access to hundreds of acres of wild countryside, cycling and trekking trails along the cliff tops and around the historic batteries, open to locals and visitors alike.
“The family have acknowledged there is a need to diversify, reducing the reliance on traditional mixed farming activities and more towards the direction of tourism and renewable energy.”
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