Sauna plan for Loch Ness pub owned by Scotland’s richest man

admin November 21, 2023

Sauna plan for Loch Ness pub owned by Scotland’s richest man

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June 19, 2025
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The inn is on the southern shores of Loch Ness, near Inverness

Colin Smith/Geograph The two-storey inn has white-painted walls and a slate roof. Above a black front door is a sign with the words "Dores Inn". There is a garden with grass and a picnic bench. — The inn is on the southern shores of Loch Ness, near Inverness

A sauna, shop and beach café have been proposed for a pub and restaurant taken over by a company owned by Scotland’s richest man.

Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen’s WildLand purchased the Dores Inn on Loch Ness last year.

The property in the village of Dores, about 10 miles (16km) south of Inverness, is currently closed.

Under plans outlined to Highland Council, WildLand has also proposed renovating and expanding the inn, revamping its car park and public toilets.

One of Anders Holch Povlsen’s companies bought the inn last year

Getty Images Anders Holch Povlsen is a bald man with a brown beard. He is wearing a dark jacket, white short and brown tie — One of Anders Holch Povlsen’s companies bought the inn last year

WildLand, a conservation and hospitality business, already owns the nearby 300-year-old Aldourie Castle and 500 acres of grounds and woodland.

The Category A-listed castle was among 11 buildings named as winners of the annual Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) awards last month.

WildLand said in October the Dores Inn would be closed for about 24 months for restoration work and should reopen in 2026-27.

The company is holding public exhibitions on its plans at the inn on 27 and 28 June.

Chief executive Tim Kirkwood 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.”

The Dores Inn is described by its owners as “more than a pub”

Getty Images A white-painted gable end of the Dores Inn. The words "Dores Inn" are painted in capitals on the wall. — The Dores Inn is described by its owners as “more than a pub”

A full planning application is expected to be submitted with Highland Council before the end of the year.

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.”

The Dores Inn pub and restaurant is a landmark on the southern shore of Loch Ness.

It was visited by Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip in 1967.

Over the years, owners of the Dores Inn have included local community stalwart Ella Macrae.

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