Sweet dreams in shepherd’s hut promised

COUNTRYSIDE lovers could soon enjoy a stay in what has been described as a shepherd’s hut.

Mr William Geddie Watt has been given permission by East Lothian Council to create the new accommodation, which comes with a foldaway bed, bathroom and kitchen facilities.

The development, on land at Kilduff House, on the edge of Athelstaneford, hopes to benefit from being remote while also being close to Haddington.

When the plans were submitted, the developer noted that tourists would be within walking distance of attractions such as Skid Hill, Hopetoun Monument and Chesters Hill Fort.

A feasibility study reads: “The setting is ideal for individuals eager to submerge themselves into the countryside with complete privacy and quietness away from everyday life.

“The unique selling point is privacy and remoteness while still being in a proximity of three miles from amenities in Haddington.

“This would make a great rural escape for couples, with Edinburgh city and beach walks within a reasonable distance.”

East Lothian Council’s planning department approved the accommodation, which will accommodate two people, after there were no objections from members of the public.

Officials felt the “scale and character” of the hut was appropriate for the countryside location. They said: “In principle, based on the nature of the proposed tourism accommodation use, there is justification for the proposed holiday letting accommodation use in this rural location and the particular type of holiday accommodation proposed could not reasonably be accommodated within an existing urban or allocated area.”