Machrie glamping and motorhome site plans lodged

A new glamping site, which it is hoped will help alleviate the problem of motorhomes parking indiscriminately when visiting the island, is being proposed.

A planning application for Kings Caves Glamping at Ashlar Farm near Machrie has been submitted to North Ayrshire Council in the name of Angus Smith.

According to the design statement the proposal consists of 22 motorhome pitches, and six handmade timber glamping pods for guests, along with a permeable track through the site with suitable parking/turning areas.

A central disposal point (CDP) area, guest clubhouse and check-in cabin will also feature on the site.

The plot is situated just off the A841 road near Machrie and lies approximately one kilometre (just over half a mile) south of the Machrie Moor Standing Stones and adjacent to the popular Kings Cave forest walk.

The report states: ‘The proposed site will provide subtle and discreet countryside accommodation for tourists visiting this area’s attractions on short breaks and weekend stays.

‘The proposal will also aim to alleviate the ongoing and increasing issue on the island of motorhomes pitching overnight in unsuitable/unsafe public areas.

‘The site will provide a facility for these vehicles and relieve other areas from unsuitable pitching which currently presents additional burdens on existing public services and utilities.’

A business proposal also submitted says Kings Caves Glamping will be a short-stay campsite for touring motorhomes and campervans, with facilities which will ‘encourage vehicles away from overnight parking in the villages, public car parks, roadside lay-bys or wild camping’.

It said there was evidence of growing demand for glamping on Arran and the pandemic had created a new tourism sector which focused on good social distancing measures and private hygiene, like motorhomes and glamping pods.

‘Arran tourism is expected to re-establish itself quickly after the effects of Covid and Brexit, with a reduction in international air travel and an increase in ‘‘staycation’’ holidays,’ it added. This would mean demand for inexpensive, premium tourist accommodation on Arran which would help to ‘extend the season which in turn provides a welcome boost to the island economy’.