King's Foundation ordered to provide home for bats in grounds of Dumfries House
The monarch unveiled plans to build a new wedding venue at Dumfries House near Cumnock, Ayrshire, in November 2024.
But surveys of the area earmarked for redevelopment found evidence of potential roosting sites for bats. While no bats were identified emerging from the potential roosts, the creatures have been spotted flying over the area.
East Ayrshire council granted planning permission for the wedding venue, but only on the condition that bats are protected.
Bats are a protected species under UK law and it is illegal to kill, possess or handle them without a licence or to cause them harm or disturb their habitat in any way.
The King's Foundation has now submitted a species protection plan that will see bat boxes installed in the grounds of the A-listed building, which the monarch helped save for the nation.
Construction workers will also be given briefings on the importance of bat conservation during the building project.
Planning officials said: 'The species protection plan in relation to the protection of bats has been submitted.
'The protection plan details the proposed species protection, inclusive of autumnal roost exclusion and toolbox talk to be given to construction workers.
'The proposed mitigation includes roost dependant mitigation measures and the installation of bat boxes.
'Overall, the details submitted are considered to be sufficient and acceptable and the relevant conditions can be discharged.'
New era for Dumfries House
The new wedding venue, consisting of one large room with the character of a ballroom, will form an extension to the eastern wing of Dumfries House and it will cater for up to 200 guests.
The King helped save the derelict Dumfries House when he arranged a £45 million deal to buy the Palladian mansion and its collection of Chippendale furniture.
He led a consortium of charities and the Scottish government to make the purchase in 2007, with his own charitable foundation contributing £20 million.
It has become a significant visitor attraction and the various activities on the estate now employ more than 150 people.
In spite of its size, Dumfries House has always lacked a large banqueting space. The larger reception rooms, such as the Tapestry Room and Rothesay Room, have occupancy limits that permit no more than 100 guests at an event.
A temporary marquee was erected in 2011 to allow a larger programme of events to be accommodated.
However, it was decided that the tented structure detracted from the character of the A-listed building.
The planning documents state the new pavilion will be an architectural improvement over the marquee and will provide an income to support the continued conservation of Dumfries House and its estate.
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