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Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
How a theme park became the most unpopular project in Scottish history
From the station at Balloch where the train from Glasgow terminates, it's a short stroll through delightful woodland to the famous 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond, Scotland. Yet during the walk, Lynne Somerville becomes more and more agitated. 'This,' she points out as a family walks past with a toddler in a pushchair, 'is where the monorail would run.' 'Here,' she says as two dog walkers amble by, 'are the trees that would be cut down to make room for the lodges.' Where the woods end abruptly, a beach overlooks one of Scotland's finest and most recognisable panoramas: the vast expanse of the loch, stretching northwards to the towering peak of Ben Lomond. Fringed with hills as far as the eye can see, the water is dotted with kayakers, paddle-boarders, yachts berthed at a distant marina and cruise boats carrying tourists. 'And this,' Somerville explains, 'is where they want to build the hotel and water park. 'This place, this view... It's a national treasure. What they're planning here is just an act of vandalism.' Her anger is directed at a divisive proposal by theme park operator Flamingo Land to build a holiday resort on the southern shores of Loch Lomond. Known as Lomond Banks, the project has been described as 'the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history', after a petition against it gathered more than 155,000 signatures. While it is only the latest attempt by business to capitalise on Loch Lomond's enduring appeal – the area has drawn mass tourism for more than 200 years – it is certainly the most controversial. Planning permission was denied last year after the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority ruled the resort was incompatible with environmental and conservation policies. But last month, a planning official appointed by the Scottish Government overruled that decision and granted the resort provisional approval. Objectors – including Somerville, who lives nearby and sits on the local community council – are outraged, and are stepping up their campaign to block the development through political pressure and even the threat of legal action. Inevitably, though, Lomond Banks also has supporters – who believe the £40 million project will deliver a much-needed boost to tourism, create jobs and attract investment. With a final decision expected later this year, both sides have shared with The Telegraph their strong views on the subject – sparking a debate not only about Loch Lomond but also about the role of national parks and, more broadly, about how to manage development in Britain's scenic areas in a way that balances the often-competing aims of conservation and economic growth, the needs of local residents and the demands of visitors. Billed as a 'world-class family tourism destination', Lomond Banks is being proposed by Flamingo Land, which also runs a theme park and zoo in North Yorkshire named after the brightly coloured birds that were introduced to the site when it opened in the 1950s. After initial plans in 2018 were met with strong opposition, the company submitted new proposals in 2020 for a 'resort village' featuring a 60-room hotel, budget hostel with 32 beds and 100 self-catering holiday lodges. The proposed resort would include a swimming pool, water park and spa, along with restaurants, a café, craft brewery and beer hall, plus picnic and barbecue areas – all connected by a monorail. It is set to be built in the village of Balloch, long regarded as the gateway to Loch Lomond. Tourists first began flocking to the area in the 18th century, drawn by the romantic allure of Highland scenery. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it had become a popular escape for Glaswegians seeking respite from the city's industrial smog – just 25 miles away. Fittingly, the proposed development would sit beside a striking symbol of tourism's evolution: the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer. In its 1950s heyday, the vessel carried up to 1,000 visitors at a time across the loch. Now retired and resting at the water's edge, it awaits long-promised restoration. At present, the main draw in Balloch is the Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre, opened in 2002. It features a viewing platform, aquarium, shopping mall with cafés, outdoor clothing stores, gift shops and a small branch of Frasers – all set beside a sprawling car park. The new resort would straddle this existing hub, with one half built in the wooded West Riverside area between the train station and the loch, and the other in the grounds of the ruined Woodbank House. The mansion would be restored to provide self-catering accommodation, surrounded by a cluster of holiday lodges. Flamingo Land insists the resort would 'reflect its beautiful natural surroundings' and 'complement the scenic landscape'. But the Balloch and Haldane community council argues the development would undermine the very qualities that draw visitors to the area. Somerville explains: 'The company is trying to profit from selling Bonnie Scotland to the tourists. People have always come here for the scenery, to get away from the city and to enjoy nature and fresh air. But these plans would mean losing the essence of the place, destroying its character. 'Loch Lomond has a national identity – but that would be lost for ever, for the sake of a development that won't create value for local people and would buckle the area's infrastructure.' The community council has warned the resort would make life a 'living hell' for locals, citing a dramatic rise in traffic and fears it would siphon trade away from existing hotels and restaurants. Somerville adds: 'The resort is just too big. If it went ahead, it would completely swamp the village.' Not all residents are firmly opposed. Some, like Debbie Savage – who runs a fitness business and walks her dog, Ruby, in the woods – remain undecided. She says: 'There's a danger the area could be ruined if the development is too commercial or done in a way that isn't sensitive. I understand the need for investment, but it has to be done in a way that is mindful of local residents.' Some, however, are firmly in favour – including Neil Mayles, who runs a business selling boats and marine equipment. He says: 'The national park authority hasn't always been the friend of business and enterprise, so something is desperately needed in the area to bring employment and investment. The planned resort would bring nothing but benefits.' The developers are keen to emphasise that Lomond Banks would create hundreds of local jobs during construction, followed by 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal roles once the resort opens. In overturning the national park authority's decision to reject the plans, the Scottish Government's planning reporter also concluded that the project could deliver 'locally significant' benefits in terms of employment and economic growth. The company argues that those opposed to the development represent only a 'vocal minority'. Jim Paterson, the project's development director, says: 'Our vision to bring about plans that create economic growth, investment, jobs and an infrastructure that will benefit the local community and beyond, is unwavering. 'The reality is that Lomond Banks has undergone extensive scrutiny. Following an independent and detailed review, the Government's planning reporter has issued a notice of intention to recommend our proposals for approval, recognising that they align with planning policy and will deliver significant public benefits. These include the restoration of the historic Woodbank House ruin, enhancements to biodiversity, and much-needed economic regeneration.' Paterson insists the resort would encroach on just 280 metres of Loch Lomond's 153km shoreline, and says it would be 'sympathetically designed to reflect the scale, character and natural beauty of the area'. Even so, fallout from the reporter's provisional approval continues. The National Park authority has described the decision as 'deeply disappointing' and says it stands by its original reasons for rejecting the plan. The Scottish Government, meanwhile, has declined to comment, stating only that the decision was made on its behalf by an independent planning expert. Opponents have been far more outspoken. The Scottish Green Party has urged the SNP Government to 'put the natural environment ahead of corporate profit' and reconsider the ruling, while the local community council remains resolute in its campaign to block Lomond Banks. Somerville adds: 'What's happened is grossly undemocratic. What's the point of having a national park authority with planning powers if the Government simply overrules it? As far as we're concerned, the future of one of Scotland's most beautiful places is at stake. This resort mustn't be allowed to go ahead.'
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
English holiday resort dubbed a ‘posh Center Parcs for less money' has 18th century manor house and 40 kids activities
A HOLIDAY resort in the UK has been compared to a fancy Center Parcs "without all of the extra costs" - and it's cheaper in the summer holidays. Previously called Highbullen Hotel, it reopened in 2023 as The Mole Resort. 7 7 The resort has more than 40 activities to choose from, for both adults and kids. And unlike Center Parcs, lots of them are all included in the price. This includes sports such as tennis, pickleball and football, as well as petanque and croquet. Kids will also love the Trim Trail, an outdoor obstacle course, as well as the wooden kids playground and indoor games room. Fitness classes such as yoga and aqua fit are on offer, along with walking and running routes. A gym and sauna are also onsite, with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Premium activities that cost extra include everything from archery and axe throwing to bushcraft skills and pottery painting. And in the evenings kids can enjoy everything from movie nights to bingo and quiz. For when you get hungry, there is a restaurant on-site which serves everything from breakfast to dinner as well as snacks and cream teas. Or you can order a meal pack to be delivered to your door, with book prepared meals or ingredients for breakfast and BBQs. First images revealed of Center Parcs Scotland village When it comes to staying onsite, there are the wooden lodges with views over the valley, as well as hotel rooms in the Manor House. And we've found that stays are cheaper than when staying at Center Parcs. For example, a four-night stay on June 9 for a family can be found for £500 at The Mole Resort. The same dates for a Center Parcs holiday costs £629 for the four nights. Even in the summer holidays, a four-night stay starts from £1,400 at the Mole Resort, while Center Parc starts from £1,549. 7 7 7 When you factor in the free activities at The Mole Resort, it is a much bigger saving. People have raved about the resort for being a fancier Center Pacs. One person wrote: "Probably the best resort in the south! "We've been to quiet a few lodges and holiday parks including Center Parcs and this is by far the most luxurious." Another agreed: "I'd say this place is a posh version of Center Parcs." A third added: "The resort is like Center Parcs without the charges for all the extras." Other praised it for not being overcrowded or busy either. What is it like to stay at The Mole Resort The Sun's Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski visited shortly after it reopened. The activity resort truly showcases the pretty patch of British countryside it occupies — from its rustic wooden lodges overlooking vast landscapes, through to its deer observatory, perched on a steep hill with shutters that open out on to the damp, quiet woodland below where wildlife flourishes. We were staying in a Valley View lodge, which certainly lived up to its name, propped up on tall stilts and offering uninterrupted views of a patchwork fields, and grazing cows. Having our fridge pre-stocked with breakfast goodies, such as fresh milk, bread, butter, eggs, veg and bacon, meant that we could spend less time at the on-site farm shop and more hours getting stuck into the stuff that makes the Mole Resort so special — the never-ending list of activities on offer. If you're visiting with kids, there are parent-and-child sessions for archery and axe-throwing, plus there's foot golf, tennis, pickleball, football and nature classes such as fire-lighting, bird box-crafting and den-building. More of a wellness warrior? There's an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a spa offering all the standard massages and facials, through to reiki therapy and hopi ear candles. The place was serenely empty for the time of year and we barely passed another soul until we reached Pebbleridge Kitchen — dishing up fresh crab sarnies to the hungry punters. We've also rounded up some other Center Parcs alternative holiday resorts in the UK. And here's how you could save more than £1,000 by going to Center Parcs in Europe - even including flights. 7
The Sun
26-05-2025
- The Sun
The Turkish holiday resort with overwater rooms, private beach and ‘one-of-a-kind' kids club
A TURKISH holiday resort has been praised as one of the best hotels people have been to. Biblos Resort in Alacati is a five-star resort that looks more like something in Bali. 7 7 But its some of the swim up rooms that are the star of the show. The Laguna Suite is for adults only, which has overwater sunlounger decks that let you hop straight into the pool. Otherwise the Laguna Private Suite has its own Laguna pool. Restaurants include the Turkish Meftun as well as Miso serving seafood and Nori with Pan Asian food. There is the Cocos pool bar and the Biblos Beach Club for cocktails and coffees It also says it has a "one-of-a-kind" Kids Club with everything from cookie workshops, kids yoga and Pilates as well as karaoke, hair braiding and face painting. The Kids Cinema has film screening nights while the Game Center has computer games and Playstations. Otherwise artistic workshops and educational workshops are alongside the new Jungle B soft play area with slides, swings and ball pits. Kids will also love Marquise, which serves waffles and ice cream through the day. And parents can go to relax at the hotel spa which has everything from hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, saunas, Turkish baths and and salt rooms. 7 7 7 Guests can even try the "experimental rain" rooms to improve blood circulation or the "spa cabanas" for a massage. A gym, fashion boutique, hair salon and health bar are also part of the complex. Previous guests have raved about it, with one saying: "This is the best hotel I've ever been to." Another said: "It was a perfect hotel in the spirit of Bali." Families praised the resort too, with one writing: "I think the Kids Club at Biblos is the best one we have ever visited." Rooms start from £289, with loveholidays, while flights from London to Alacati take around 3hr45 from London Stansted with Pegasus. Turkey is home to some amazing holiday resorts. Here's one that has been dubbed the "Turkish Maldives". And the best TUI hotel in the world according to Brits is also in Turkey. 7 7
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Award-winning holiday park next to one of UK's finest beaches set to triple in size – with 22 new lodges being built
A POPULAR holiday resort located next to one of the UK's top beaches is set to undergo an ambitious expansion. The award-winning park, made up of wooden cabins, will triple in size as 22 new lodges are added. 5 5 Whitekirk Hill is located in East Lothian, Scotland, just an 11 minute drive from North Berwick. It first opened in 2019 following a £3 million renovation of the golf club which previously occupied the site. The location was converted into a modern family-friendly lifestyle hub, which includes a café, restaurant, indoor children's play area, spa, gym, and event spaces. In 2021, nine luxury eco-lodges were added to the property for overnight guests. Now Whitekirk Hill plans to add 22 more lodges, tripling the size of its accommodation. Plans were approved in April, consisting of 12 three-bedroom lodges and 10 one-bedroom micro lodges. And the resort reportedly plans to add an additional 10 lodges in the future. The news comes just weeks after the Wild Cairns Outdoor Activity Centre was opened at the 160-acre resort. This new addition features an axe-throwing area, an airsoft gun range with zombie targets, and a 1.5-mile obstacle course. Younger visitors can enjoy an indoor adventure playground with climbing structures and slides, perfect for colder days. Inside little-known seaside spot right next to the country's most iconic sites Guests can also enjoy garden games, which are available for hire for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. The resort boasts views of the nearby Tantallon Castle, the Bass Rock, and the Firth of Forth. Described as the place "where beauty meets adventure", Whitekirk Hill has been awarded a five star rating by the Scottish tourism board. And if that's not enough reasons to visit this stunning area, one of the UK's finest beaches is also located nearby. Tyninghame Links, also known as Ravensheugh Sands, is regarded as "one of the finest beaches in the south of Scotland", according to Visit East Lothian. Paths wind through the adjacent forest, emerging onto the huge sandy bay, with dramatic views of the Bass Rock. Visitors can park up nearby for just £3 for the entire day. And if you're a fan of the show Outlander, this area may look familiar to you. This stunning beach featured in season five, episode two, in what has been described as "one of the most dramatic scenes" of the series. Whitekirk Hill is located just 46 minutes from Edinburgh, and is well worth a day trip if you're in the area. 5 5
