A proposal to establish a four-unit glamping business on agricultural land in Loans, South Ayrshire, Scotland, is awaiting a planning decision from South Ayrshire Council.
The application, submitted by James Gilmour, seeks permission to install four high-end shepherd huts at Collenan, approximately three miles northeast of Troon town center. Glasgow-based Glampitect is acting as the planning agent for the proposal.
According to the supporting statement, the development would include four shepherd huts for overnight guest accommodation, each with a private outdoor patio area. Associated infrastructure would include permeable footpaths, improvements to an existing site entrance and internal vehicle track, a new parking and turning area, recycling and refuse storage, and a storage shed with secure bicycle storage.
The plans also include minor landscaping, with proposed planting of native trees, shrubs, meadow grass, and wildflowers throughout the site.
The application represents a new submission following the withdrawal of an earlier planning proposal. The latest application identifies a new site location, according to the Daily Record.
The supporting statement explains that the accommodation units would be manufactured off-site by specialist manufacturer Ellipse Leisure Buildings and delivered as completed structures ready for connection to utilities and other services.
“The chosen high-end shepherd huts will be constructed off-site by the specialist manufacturer, Ellipse Leisure Buildings, and delivered as full units ready to connect to services.”
The applicant intends to integrate the accommodation business into the existing agricultural operations at 13 Collenan Holding. The proposal is presented as a farm diversification project intended to generate additional revenue while maintaining the property’s agricultural activities.
The supporting statement describes the development as a small-scale tourism venture that would provide countryside accommodation for visitors taking short breaks and weekend trips in the area. The business is also proposed to operate throughout the year, potentially creating an additional source of income beyond the traditional agricultural business.
“The small-scale, sustainable development will diversify 13 Collenan Holding and support the longevity of the agricultural operations by providing subtle and discreet countryside holiday accommodation for tourists visiting the area on short breaks and weekend stays. The site is proposed to be in operation year-round, making it an excellent option for visitors to retreat and access everything the area has to offer in all seasons.”
The application further identifies the development as a way to support the long-term financial resilience of the agricultural holding while contributing to the area’s existing tourism accommodation options.
“Situated approximately three miles northeast of Troon town centre, the site offers a unique rural accommodation experience that complements the area’s existing tourism offerings. By integrating shepherd huts for short-term holiday use into the existing agricultural operations at 13 Collenan Holding, the development supports farm diversification and resilience.”
“The glamping site represents a genuine farm diversification proposal which will provide an additional income stream to support the long-term viability and resilience of the wider agricultural enterprise.”
For outdoor hospitality operators and agricultural businesses considering similar projects, the proposal highlights several elements of a farm-based accommodation model, including off-site construction, limited accommodation capacity, shared access infrastructure, and year-round operations. Integrating visitor accommodation with an existing agricultural enterprise can provide an additional revenue stream, although the project’s commercial viability would depend on factors such as planning approval, operating costs, visitor demand, and seasonal occupancy.
The proposal remains listed as pending consideration on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal. A decision is expected by the end of December 2026. If approved, the development would add four shepherd hut units to the accommodation options available in the Ayrshire countryside.