Scotland's richest man gets go-ahead to revamp Loch Ness pub

Councillors have given the go-ahead for a revamp of a pub owned by Scotland's richest man.

Anders Holch Povlsen and his wife Anne own the Dores Inn as well as the nearby 300-year-old Aldourie Castle and a number of Highland estates.

The Povlsens are developing the Dores Inn, in the village of Dores on Loch Ness, through their WildLand landscape conservation project.

The proposals for a bakery, cafe, shop and 116-space car park went before Highland Council's south planning applications committee.

The plans also include improving toilet provision. They were approved, subject to conditions.

The pub dates back to about the 1820s.

Councillors said WildLand had done a "good job" of the public consultation, and welcomed confirmation that access to Dores beach and nearby woodland would continue during the two-year, phased construction work.

The committee was told Nessie hunter Steve Feltham's base would remain where it was.

It has been proposed that the pub should be refurbished and have a new extension which WildLand said would be designed to "repair and enhance" the existing architecture of the building.

Joe Dunn, WildLand's director of built development, welcomed Highland Council's decision.

He said: "Dores Inn and the surrounding landscape have a distinctive character and are valued by many people.

"I'm hugely grateful to the entire development team for the care they have taken in shaping proposals that balance the restoration of the inn as a place to enjoy with the practical needs of access, flood management, public facilities and year-round use.

"We will now work through the planning conditions and prepare carefully for the next stage."

Lavinia Turner, head of region at WildLand Loch Ness, thanked the local community and Dores and Essich Community Council for their time and feedback.

The Dores Inn pub and restaurant is a landmark on the southern shore of Loch Ness, south of Inverness.

It was visited by Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip in 1967.

Over the years, owners of the Dores Inn have included local community stalwart Ella Macrae.