An application has been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council for the development of a small-scale glamping site on the Rosneath Peninsula.
The proposal outlines plans for four timber-clad glamping pods at Balkan House in Rahane, located alongside Peaton Road. Submitted by applicant Nikolay Petkov, the project aims to offer an alternative form of rural accommodation that aligns with the natural character of the area.
According to a design and access statement prepared by planning consultants Glampitect, the development is intended to “support the local economy by attracting visitors who are likely to spend on nearby services, including cafés, restaurants, shops, and local attractions in Rahane, Garelochhead, Helensburgh, and the wider Rosneath Peninsula.”
The statement also notes that the site could generate indirect economic benefits through the use of local contractors and suppliers for the building and operation of the facility.
The four glamping cabins have been designed to follow the land’s existing contours, minimizing visual disruption. They are single-story and clad in timber, with plans to use existing and added vegetation for visual containment.
Glampitect states that the scale of activity would remain consistent with the area’s quiet, rural character and that any necessary lighting would be minimal and directional to protect wildlife and preserve dark skies.
Argyll and Bute Council is expected to issue a decision by early September. In the meantime, the public can access the full plans and submit comments through the council’s planning portal using reference number 25/01118/PP.
The design and access statement further notes, “The proposed glamping site will provide a new and exciting accommodation option for Rahane and the surrounding area, offering a unique, relaxing, and sustainable stay in nature.”
It cites growing demand for rural glamping across Scotland’s west coast and the Inner Hebrides and suggests that successful marketing could increase tourist stays in the area, boosting revenue for local businesses.
According to the Helensburgh Advertiser, the applicant also plans to collaborate with local service providers.
“The operator will promote these services within the cabins, along with providing the guests with local knowledge of the many beauty spots to visit, allowing them to connect with nature and the surrounding area,” the statement says.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, this proposal highlights the increasing interest in micro-glamping developments as a strategy to diversify rural tourism offerings and support local economies.
By focusing on modest, environmentally integrated accommodations, small operators can respond to the demand for experiential travel while maintaining low-impact site design.