Cabot Highlands’ Castle Stuart Links holiday lets plan near Inverness Airport approved by Highland Council as moves to create ‘world class’ golf destination gather pace
An award-winning golfing destination close to Inverness is set to expand its array of short-stay accommodation overlooking the course after gaining full planning permission.
Cabot Highlands, home to the award-winning Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness Airport, has been working towards creating a ‘world class’ golfing mecca for visitors.
A new ‘Old Petty’ course is set to be completed and will open in 2026.
Highland Council planners have now approved a new expansion with nine new luxury visitor lodges to be built.
There was one objection to the project lodged by a local resident from Wester Dalcross, who expressed concern about “ever-increasing” traffic volume, impacting safety at the junction between the A96 and B9039.
The resident said she had encountered “daily, long tailbacks leading to people getting frustrated and pulling out onto the A96 and into oncoming traffic.”
But Highland Council’s transport planning team had no objection to Cabot Highlands’ application, saying the road was “appropriate for the scale and nature of the proposal”.
The resort previously gained planning permission in May 2024 for 16 short-term let lodges containing 38 rooms in all.
Ten of the lodges were to be situated to the north of the site, but the proposal was withdrawn and amended.
A new application for five lodges was granted on February 11 this year, with the latest nine further single-storey buildings on land to the east of the previous application taking the development to 14 lodges in all.
The plan includes a revised lay-out and expanded boundary.
A planning statement for the project stated: “The design of the lodges incorporates traditional architectural style typical of north east coastal villages.
“To further add interest, the design of each of the lodges differs slightly with use of both natural slate and red pantiles to roofs, white smooth render to the walls with feature natural stone sections, stone quoins and feature gable ends incorporating traditionally proportioned chimneys.”
Each lodge will comprise four double bedrooms and open plan lounge and dining areas, with the proposed internal layout providing flexibility for clients and providing accommodation options suited to groups of golfers.
As with the previous planning permission, the layout aims to ensure it will be “set within a detailed, landscaped environment designed to incorporate a wide mix of species with an emphasis on flowering species suited to the coastal environment”.
It adds: “The revised design and layout continues the Cabot Highlands theme of providing the accommodation options that best suit the business and deliver quality architectural design that is in keeping with the character of the wider area.
Mark Wright, Cabot Highlands’ general manager and regional VP hospitality, Europe, said: “We’re excited to be taking the next step in realising our long-term vision for Cabot Highlands.
“These plans reflect our commitment to enhancing the Highlands as a world-class golf destination, while celebrating the natural beauty, heritage, and community spirit of this remarkable region.
“We look forward to working closely with local stakeholders as the project moves forward.”
Cabot Highlands is on schedule to open its new Old Petty Golf Links in the spring.
The new golf course opened for preview play from August 1 until September 30.
Cabot Highlands currently sells between 20,000 to 25,000 rounds every year at its existing course at Castle Stuart Golf Links.
But once Old Petty is in operation, the number of rounds on site is expected to head towards 50,000 annually.