Historic Loch Ness boathouses could be brought back into use
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Two former boathouses on the banks of Loch Ness could be restored after remains of the structures were discovered.
They are located in the grounds of Aldourie Castle, owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who lost three of his four children in last year’s Sri Lanka bombing attacks.
A planning application has been submitted to restore the boathouses, which were part of the 19th century expansion of the castle and were typical of a Scottish country estate, although the exact date of construction is unknown.
An old map indicates a pier in a natural cove on the loch shores, served by a track within the castle’s woodland, according to the design statement.
“This was clearly a pleasant location for pleasure boating in the summer, and there is little wonder that boathouse structures would follow,” it adds.
Only the palisade posts and a concrete base remain, but it is hoped to reinstate one boathouse with an upper chamber to enjoy Loch Ness, or for tea or picnics.
The use of the other one has not been determined but could be a sauna for castle guests. It would be constructed on a floating platform due to the risk of flooding.
