A proposal has been submitted to Angus Council for a small-scale tourism development on disused farmland adjacent to Montrose Basin.
The project, led by East Coast Arable Systems of Drumlithie, aims to convert a 1.3-hectare plot, formerly part of Tayock Farm, into a glamping destination that incorporates four accommodation pods, a sauna bothy, and two enclosed dog parks.
The site lies on the northern edge of Montrose Basin, a designated nature reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
According to The Courier, the developers intend to “take advantage of the expansive views over Montrose Basin,” while also enhancing biodiversity through a tailored landscape plan.
“A carefully considered landscape plan has been developed to ensure the development does not detract from the setting of the area, while making a positive contribution to the habitat and biodiversity opportunities,” the application states.
The proposed glamping pods would each be single-storey structures located in the southern section of the site, with two dedicated parking spaces per unit. The sauna bothy, available to both guests and the general public, would be located on the southwest corner of the site.
In addition to the overnight accommodations, two fenced dog parks are planned for the northern part of the land.
Designed to serve both visitors and locals, the parks would be accessible via an online booking system, allowing a maximum of eight dogs accompanied by two owners at any one time. Operating hours are proposed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
East Coast Arable Systems highlights the location’s accessibility by public transport, walking paths, and cycle routes to Montrose.
The planning statement also notes that, “The site is a vacant area of brownfield land and the reuse of the land of this nature is considered sustainable in itself.”
The proposal is currently under review and will be considered by Angus Council in due course. No specific timeline has yet been released regarding a decision.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, this project reflects continued interest in pairing low-density glamping accommodations with pet-friendly amenities and scenic locations near natural reserves.
Operators looking to diversify their offerings may see opportunities in combining wellness elements such as saunas with dog-focused facilities to appeal to a broader range of guests.