Staycation plans for historic Pitlochry venue

Lodges with a view planned on B-listed site

Plans to further diversify a historic Pitlochry estate below Ben Vrackie have been lodged to cater for the burgeoning domestic staycation market.

B-listed Balnakeilly Estate, which hosts weddings, events and sporting guests, was once under the ownership of Dunfermline Abbey before being handed over to the Stewart family.

Now, in a new era, it has lodged plans to build 6 hilltop self-catering lodges, adding to the self-catering accommodation offering already available within Balnakeilly House.

Scenic vista

The well designed, low impact lodges with mono-pitched roofs will settle within mature woodland on a 1.3 hectare site in the foothills of Ben Vrackie, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley.

Those behind the plan say it will create local employment whilst adding to the bustling tourism market in Pitlochry and the surrounding area.

In its pitch to planners, put forward by rural land agents Bidwells, the proposers stated that the lodge development, accessed by an existing estate road, would, ‘add to the range of attractions and activities that already make the area a key tourism destination within Highland Perthshire, such as natural and historic beauty, local culture and access to a variety of services and attractions.’

Employment impacts

Jobs, they said, would be created in the construction, servicing and maintenance of the lodges, with further spin-offs for local businesses within the town.

According to a 2023 Visitor Survey for Perthshire (VisitScotland), 32% of visitors to the region used self-catering accommodation, with this segment accounting for £900m of annual tourism spend in Scotland itself.

Should planners grant the proposal, those behind the development believe it will enhance the estate’s business model, enabling them to offer other accommodation when Balnakeilly House is booked exclusively for weddings or events.

“Each lodge would have a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape, whilst the modern, sleek design ensures the impact to the landscape is minimised,” said the proposal, which will be consulted on by planners next month.