01-08-2025
Plans lodged to turn derelict Islay building into sauna
The proposal from Philip MacTaggart, vice chair of Western Heritable, would see the stone-built structure, known locally as Na Sglithean, southwest of Cairnmore House at Port Ellen, transformed into the new facility.
Argyll and Bute Council planning officers are expected to rule on the proposal by the end of September, with the public now able to view plans and submit feedback.
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A supporting statement by planning agents Cole and Partners said: 'The proposal seeks to sensitively restore the existing structure by reinstating its roof and carrying out internal alterations to convert it into a small-scale, off-grid sauna.
'The project is designed to retain the traditional external appearance of the stone hut, preserving its character and visual contribution to the landscape.
'The use of the building as an off-grid sauna is likely to fall under Sui Generis, as defined by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997. The use is modest, self-contained, and consistent with rural tourism offerings elsewhere on the island.
'The design and function of the proposal represent a high-quality, small-scale addition to the area's tourism infrastructure, while also contributing positively to the conservation of a redundant historic structure.'
The statement added: 'This proposal represents a sustainable and well-considered reuse of a redundant rural building, with minimal landscape impact and clear alignment with local and national planning policies.
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'It contributes to the rural tourism offering of the area while conserving a part of Islay's vernacular coastal built environment.
'We respectfully request that the planning authority support this application, recognising the positive contribution it will make to the local area in terms of sustainability, heritage conservation, and rural tourism development.'
To view the plans and submit comments to the council, visit its planning portal and use the reference number 25/01242/PP.
