Plans to introduce glamping pods at Spey Bay Golf Club in Moray have received approval from local planners. The project will see six pods installed at the course, intended for overnight accommodation.
The units are planned to include double beds, showers, a workstation, a mini-kitchen, a television, and a sofa bed. The accommodation will operate for 11 months each year, with installation scheduled for February 2026 and the first guests expected in April.
Spey Bay Golf Club general manager Bert Mackay said the approval was the result of a lengthy process.
“We’re delighted planning permission has been granted, it’s very forward thinking of Moray Council. It’s taken eight or so months to get here, but has been worth the time,” he told Grampian Online.
Mackay added that the development is intended to broaden the club’s appeal beyond golf.
“We’re trying to create something special here and attract all sorts of people, not just limited to golfers. The project is a little bit quirky and I think it’s quite unique for a golf course. There’s a lot of charm to it even for the non-golfer, although the glamping pods are only 50 yards from the first tee for those who are!”
The general manager noted that the location makes the site suitable for outdoor tourism. “The course is ideally sited to be used as a base for people who, for example, want to go fishing or hill-walking, and, of course, there are the spectacular views,” he said.
“Having pods available will help those who attend the many bespoke events we hold here, as access to accommodation can often be at a premium. They’ll provide a unique experience.”
For operators in the outdoor hospitality sector, the project highlights a growing trend of golf courses and other recreational venues diversifying their offerings to attract a wider market.
By integrating glamping into existing facilities, businesses can extend visitor stays, appeal to non-core audiences, and better utilize their sites during events or peak tourism seasons.
Such developments illustrate how properties can leverage location and existing amenities to strengthen revenue streams while adapting to evolving visitor expectations.
