Several proposed glamping and holiday accommodation projects are moving through the planning process across northern Scotland, highlighting how rural landowners continue to explore tourism diversification as part of broader farm and estate businesses.
Among the proposals is a new holiday lodge at Tomnakeist Farm near Ballater in Aberdeenshire. Colin and Catriona Gambles have submitted plans to Aberdeenshire Council for a self-catered lodge, named Peterkin, to be built adjacent to their farmhouse.
Planning documents indicate the proposal represents the first phase of a longer-term diversification strategy for the farm.
The supporting statement says: “The wider vision for Tomnakeist Farm is to create a small number of high-quality, self-catered holiday lodges that allow visitors to experience the surrounding landscape, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the property.”
It adds: “Any future proposals elsewhere within the property would be the subject of separate planning applications.”
The applicants also state: “The development will take place gradually in a phased manner.”
Elsewhere in Aberdeenshire, Laura Meredith is seeking planning permission for a seasonal glamping dome at Meadowhill Farm near Strichen. According to the application, the dome would provide additional accommodation adjacent to the existing farmhouse and would also be marketed for paid stays through Airbnb and similar booking platforms.
The planning statement explains: “The house is fairly small and becomes overcrowded when accommodating visiting family and friends.”
It continues: “The proposed glamping dome will provide additional, flexible accommodation.”
The proposal has drawn objections from neighboring residents Colin and Alison Veitch, who have raised concerns about the capacity of the property’s shared water supply, potential noise, site access, and the overall tourism benefits of the development.
The objectors argue that the additional accommodation could place further pressure on existing infrastructure and question whether the project would make a meaningful contribution to the local visitor economy.
The applications are among several rural tourism proposals currently under consideration across northern Scotland, according to The Press & Journal.
In the Highlands, Helen McGregor has submitted plans for three shepherd huts, a yurt, decking, and a shower building at Tulloch Farm near Roy Bridge. The project would introduce multiple accommodation types on the property, reflecting the continued popularity of small-scale glamping developments that offer a range of guest experiences.
Another proposal has been submitted at Savalmhor Farm in Lairg, where Mr. and Mrs. N. Pearson are seeking permission to add a pod for short-term letting. Meanwhile, Ruthven Farm in Kingussie has received a certificate of lawfulness for self-catering accommodation, allowing another rural property to expand its tourism offering.
Although not intended for commercial tourism, a separate application at a croft in Nedd, Assynt, includes plans for three recreational huts. The supporting statement notes: “The huts are intended solely for recreational use by the croft owner and his mother and brother, and will not serve as principal residences or be used for commercial purposes.”
It adds: “They will allow the owner and his family to visit the croft, spend time in the natural environment, and maintain a meaningful connection to this land.”
The latest planning applications demonstrate that farm diversification through visitor accommodation continues across Scotland’s rural regions. Rather than pursuing large-scale resort developments, many landowners are proposing phased projects consisting of one or several units, allowing businesses to expand tourism income gradually while working within local planning frameworks.
For campground, glamping, caravan park, and outdoor hospitality operators, these proposals illustrate several recurring themes shaping new developments. Landowners continue to favor flexible accommodation types such as domes, pods, shepherd huts, yurts, and self-catered lodges that can be introduced incrementally.
At the same time, the objections raised to the Meadowhill Farm proposal underscore the importance of addressing infrastructure capacity, water availability, access, and community concerns during the planning process.
As rural tourism continues to evolve, successful projects are increasingly balancing diversification opportunities with local planning requirements and neighborhood considerations.