Plan to breathe new life into historic Raigmore Tower in Inverness has been lodged with Highland Council

Proposals for Raigmore Tower will see the early 19th century building reworked for use as a family home.

The B-listed Gothic-style tower, the only remnant of a former grand home near Westhill, is currently surrounded by a collection of modern single-storey extensions all of which will be demolished under the scheme.

Architects Colin Armstrong plan to remove the old extensions to build a “new contemporary extension with a sensitive glass link allowing the existing tower to retain its historic presence”. The living space will be on the first floor of the building with decking on top of the living space.

The architects’ statement said: “Raigmore Tower House, Culloden is a B-listed landmark property which has had many extensions over the years but has fallen into disrepair. It currently sits derelict at the top of Tower Road hidden among dense trees.

“Our clients, Colin and Laura Marr wish to breathe new life into the derelict property creating a dream home with a complete revamp of the existing tower building and a sensitive extension.

“White render has been selected to finish the walls of the extension – after studying a series of alternative cladding options.”

The developers are asking Highland Council for permission to remove previous extensions to reveal more of the tower, extend the tower to the house with a contemporary glass link, revamp the existing interior of the tower and create a deck over the west roof to take advantage of views toward the north.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have graded the tower as B-listed and has identified the building as of special interest due to the tower being part of the now demolished Raigmore House. It made no comment and raised no objection.

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