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THE operators of an Inverness city centre tartan and gift shop who started painting the exterior and putting up new signs without the required permission, are now seeking listed building consent for the work.

Inver Retail Ltd – trading as House of Highlands and Highlands Kilt Centre – took over the former So Coco restaurant in the High Street earlier this year.

After the interior was refitted, the shop began trading and workers started painting the outside walls a bright pink hue, and removing the old So Coco signs.

But the company had not received permission for the exterior work, so Highland Council slapped a stop notice on the building.

A council spokeswoman said: “The building is a listed building within a conservation area. Planning permission and listed building consent has not been applied for and therefore the works are unauthorised. A stop notice was served in order to rectify this. Until the permission/consent is granted, works cannot continue.”

Now Inver Retail Ltd has applied for listed building consent to paint the exterior a dark maroon with cream window frames.

The company is also seeking permission for new signs and timber panelling and the applications are under consideration by the council.

Separately lodged with council planners is an application by Star Pubs and Bars of Edinburgh for internal renovation and alterations and a new brighter frontage to The Keg bar in Baron Taylor’s Street, which is also in a conservation area.

Outside, it is proposed to install new windows glazed to ground level, put in new doors and replace the dark grey paint with light blue, with white and gold finishing.

The interior will be redecorated, seating reupholstered and reconfigured, and the staff toilets upgraded.

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