Highland Council approves controversial redevelopment plans for iconic Kings House Hotel, Glen Coe
The Kings House Hotel stands at the gateway of Glen Coe, marking the point where the West Highland Way comes down from Rannoch Moor. It’s thought to be one of Scotland’s oldest licensed inns, and was originally built in the 17th century before playing a role in the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.
Today, it’s a well-known landmark on the West Highland Way and a renowned watering hole for outdoor enthusiasts in Glen Coe.
But a major extension described as an ‘industrial-style building which will dwarf the original’ has been approved – despite widespread condemnation by conservation and mountaineering organisation.
The proposal by Black Corries Estate Management Ltd. is to create a large three-storey extension to the original two-storey hotel, and to demolish existing extensions dating back to the 1960s.
In September, Mountaineering Scotland issued a formal objection to the plans.
David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer for Mountaineering Scotland, said: “We are most definitely not against redevelopment of this much-loved hotel, which has played its own part in the area’s climbing history.
“We made no objection to the original plans which were granted in 2016, for a building much more in keeping with the original building and the landscape.
“But this new plan which has been approved now is arguably no different to hotel buildings found in large cities and certainly does not ‘respect, enhance or make responsible use of our natural assets’ as required by the National Planning Framework.”
Objections to the application were also submitted by the National Trust for Scotland and the John Muir Trust.