Scotland's richest man wins approval for revamp of his Loch Ness pub

Scotland’s richest man and largest landowner, Anders Holch Povlsen bought the Dores Inn on the banks of Loch Ness in 2024. | geograph.org/Anne Burgess. | geograph.org/Anne Burgess

Scotland’s richest man has been given the go-ahead to revamp his pub on the banks of Loch Ness.

Anders Holch Povlsen, who is also Scotland’s largest landowner, owns the Dores Inn on the quieter, north eastern shore of the loch, and the nearby Aldourie Castle and Estate.

The pub will be significantly upgraded with a bakery, cafe, shop and 116-space car park included in the plans.

Improvements to the beach in front of the popular pub and landscaping between the premises and Aldourie Castle will also be made.

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The venture has now gained planning permission, with members of Highland Council’s south area planning committee approving the proposals, with conditions.

The project is expected to take two years to complete, with the redevelopment of the Dores Inn adding to the Povlsen hospitality portfolio, which includes the recently completed upgrade of Hope Lodge in Sutherland.

Impression of the layout of the new pub kitchen and dining area at the Dores Inn. PIC: WildLand | Wildland Ltd

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The company said the Dores project forms part of WildLand’s wider stewardship of the Aldourie Estate and surrounding Loch Ness landscape and brought together “the care of historic buildings, public access and long-term landscape management”.

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Joe Dunn, WildLand’s Director of Built Development, said: “We welcome The Highland Council’s decision, which represents an important milestone following a thorough period of consultation, design development and technical assessment.

“Dores Inn and the surrounding landscape have a distinctive character and are valued by many people. I’m hugely grateful to the entire development team for the care they have taken in shaping proposals that balance the restoration of the Inn as a place to enjoy with the practical needs of access, flood management, public facilities and year-round use.

“We will now work through the planning conditions and prepare carefully for the next stage.”

Mr Povlsen bought Aldourie Castle in 2014, for £15 million and celebrated both its restoration and his 50th birthday there in 2023, flying in singer Lionel Richie for the occasion.

Mr Povlsen’s company, WildLand Ltd, which owns 12 estates across the Highlands, worked closely with the Dores community in refining the plans for the pub.

They also include restoring a more natural form to the burn, supporting biodiversity and strengthening the connections between woodland, watercourse and shoreline.

Councillors on the committee welcomed confirmation that access to Dores beach and nearby woodland would continue during the two-year, phased construction work.

Lavinia Turner, Head of Region, WildLand Loch Ness, added: “We are very grateful to the local community, Dores and Essich Community Council and everyone who gave their time, shared their knowledge of the area and helped us understand what matters most to them about Dores Inn and its unique setting.

“That feedback has helped shape the plans, and our commitment to listening does not end with planning approval. We will continue to work with the community and keep people informed as the project moves towards delivery.”

WildLand will now review and discharge the conditions attached to the approval before confirming the timetable for the next phase of the project.