Historic Loch Ness side Dores Inn set for transformation as Danish billionaire Anders Holch Polvsen plans sauna, beach café, shop, bakery and two new jetties
Scotland’s richest man is seeking to transform a historic Loch Ness-side pub restaurant with major investment.
The Dores Inn, nine miles south of Inverness, was bought by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who owns nearby Aldourie Castle, in October last year.
If approved, proposals lodged with Highland Council would bring significant investment to create a beach café and bakery, a small shop or kiosk, sauna, two new jetties and public toilets.
Already a popular day-trip destination beside Dores beach for visitors and tourists, Mr Povlsen’s firm Aldourie Castle Limited has applied to council planners for initial approval for the renovation and new building work.
A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was lodged late last month, with planners set to approve or reject the development by a deadline of August 20 this year.
The pub has been closed for some time for works including external paintwork, transforming the white walls into a light terracotta colour.
After taking ownership of the premises, Mr Povlsen’s representatives pledged to make much-needed upgrades and improvements to the inn over a period of 18 to 24 months.
It has been offering pop-up food and refreshments with outside covered seating, but the inn is likely to remain closed at least until the latter part of 2026.
Under the proposals, the historic, 19th century-built venue would be renovated and expanded in size by 385 square metres.
It is not yet stated where the new attractions would be built, although a large area north of the inn, encompassing green fields, is highlighted in the application.
The beach café/bakery would occupy roughly 65m2 of land, while the shop/kiosk and public toilets approximately 45m2.
Also listed in the application are plans for car parking, a relocated recycling point, service building of roughly 35m2, paths and landscaping works.
These would see the burn running close to the inn being “realigned” with the existing football pitch and play park relocated.
A proposal of application notice is submitted where a development is considered to be of “major” or “national” scale.
There is no obligation, at this stage in the planning process, to give fuller details beyond general descriptions
The project would be part of and in tune with Anders and wife Anne Povlsen’s WildLand project, which is pledged to a 200-year vision of ecological rehabilitation in the Highlands.
WildLand has announced a series of public exhibitions that will showcase initial proposals for the renovation and enhancement of the Dores Inn.
The events are designed to give the local community an early opportunity to take part in a formal pre-application consultation process in advance of a full planning application to Highland Council.
Members of the public will be able to learn more about WildLand’s ambitions for the site and share views on how it might be sensitively restored and enhanced in the years ahead.
WildLand say the package of landscape and infrastructure improvements will be designed to enhance visitor experience and support the site’s long-term sustainability.
The public exhibitions will be held at the Dores Inn on:
Friday 27 June, 2pm - 8pm
Saturday 28 June, 10am - 2pm
Tim Kirkwood, CEO at WildLand, said: “The Dores Inn sits at the heart of a much-loved community setting. As we explore options for its restoration and long-term operation, we’re committed to involving the community from the outset.
“These exhibitions will offer a great opportunity for attendees to understand the scope of what’s being considered and to share ideas and concerns before detailed plans are finalised.
“We want the future of this site to reflect the needs and values of the people who know it best and value it as much as we do.”
Lavinia Turner, head of region at WildLand Loch Ness, said: “The Dores Inn has always been more than a pub – it’s a gathering place, a gateway to the loch, and an important part of local life.
“We want to restore that role and build on it, creating something that works year-round for the area.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming community members interested in finding out more about the ideas we’re shaping to achieve that positive long-term vision for the site.”
Following this initial phase of pre-application consultation, WildLand plans to update and refine its proposals ahead of a further drop-in event later this summer. After listening to feedback, a full planning application is expected to be submitted before the end of the year.
Visitors to the event will be able to view exhibition materials, speak to the project team, and leave comments in person. Feedback can also be submitted by email or online, with a closing date of Friday 11 July for this first phase.
As well as Loch Ness, WildLand’s 200-year vision also encapsulates management of land in the Cairngorm and Sutherland areas.
