Plans have been submitted to the Highland Council for a small-scale glamping development near Port Henderson in the northwest Highlands.
The proposal outlines the construction of four wooden glamping pods and a reception building that would include a shop and public amenities.
Morena Fletcher, the applicant, has lodged the proposal for land situated just south of Port Henderson, adjacent to the B8056 road that connects the area to Opinan and Red Point.
According to the planning documents, the development is intended to serve as a year-round holiday accommodation offering.
Each of the four pods would be built to accommodate two people, with one pod designed to be slightly larger, featuring additional lounge and dining space and an expanded bathroom.
The positioning of the pods is planned to face northward, offering views across Loch Gairloch. To the south, native trees and hedging are proposed to limit the visual impact from the road.
The reception area is set to be housed within a converted and re-clad storage container. The facility would also include a bike store and on-site parking at each pod and the reception area.
Design agents Glampitect, in a supporting planning statement, explained that the pods are intended to operate as short-term holiday lets.
“Patrons will likely be couples and small families, as the chosen target markets by the site operators. Party groups will not be permitted,” the statement read.
The site is intended to provide a quiet, nature-focused retreat. “The site will be marketed as a peaceful and relaxing retreat in nature, which should mean noise from guests is not a consideration, with minimal likelihood of noise and disruption to neighbouring properties and road users, etc.”
Glampitect also stated that the units are not designed for long-term residential use. “There is no intention to use the units for long-term lease / permanent residences. The compact footprint of the pods would not be suited to this in any case.”
A key feature of the proposal includes the development of a small public shop and restrooms within the reception building. According to a report by Ross-shire Journal, this addition is intended to address a gap in local amenities.
“The addition of a public amenities block/reception will allow for a small public shop and public restrooms for locals and tourists passing the site,” the statement continued.
“This has been proposed due to the lack of local amenities in the area. The proposed additions will help to provide essential items such as fresh milk, eggs, and bread for locals and tourists to access.”
If approved, the development could serve as a modest yet potentially valuable boost to the area’s outdoor tourism infrastructure.
For business owners in the glamping and outdoor hospitality sectors, the proposed development reflects a continuing trend of small-scale, nature-focused accommodations tailored to couples and families.
Operators considering similar projects may find the inclusion of shared amenities and minimal visual disruption strategies particularly relevant when planning in sensitive or rural areas.