Disappointment at Kings House Hotel decision

Highland Council has have approved controversial redevelopment plans for the historic Kings House Hotel on Rannoch Moor.

The planned extension to the original 1750s hotel has been criticised by outdoors groups, including Mountaineering Scotland, which described it as industrial in style and out of scale.

The proposal, by Black Corries Estate Management Ltd, is to create a large, three-storey extension to the original two-story hotel, demolishing existing extensions which date back to the 1960s.

Our objection to the plans argued that they will be completely out of character both with the original building and with the surrounding area, which is part of a much-loved National Scenic Area and a highly visible part of the view from surrounding hills as well as from the main road across Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe.

David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer for Mountaineering Scotland, said: “We are most definitely not against redevelopment of this much loved hotel, which has played its own part in the area’s climbing history.

“We made no objection to the original plans which were granted in 2016, for a building much more in keeping with the original building and the landscape.

“But this new plan which has been approved now is arguably no different to hotel buildings found in large cities and certainly does not “respect, enhance or make responsible use of our natural assets” as required by the National Planning Framework.”

The National Trust for Scotland and the John Muir Trust had also objected to the plans now approved.

Mountaineering Scotland’s full objection can be viewed here.