PLANNING permission has been granted for a new five-star ‘glamping’ site in Glasgow.
Craigmaddie Glamping will be set in a two-acre greenfield area just north of Milngavie on the A81. The development will feature six luxury en-suite pods, with each timber unit boasting underfloor heating, flat-screen TVs, wi-fi and modern kitchens.
Local resident Anne McKirdy and her brother Brian McFarlane are behind the project, having been keen to enter the tourism industry and future-proof the family land for generations to come.
Following a feasibility study by Edinburgh-based glamping site design consultancy Glampitect, the decision was taken to progress the plans.
“We had been wondering what we could do with the land to keep it in the family,” explained Anne. :We realised glamping was growing in popularity and were delighted to have the approval come through. There were some bumps along the way but the process was made as smooth as possible thanks to the input and guidance from Glampitect.
“It means a lot for us to do something like this which our children and hopefully their children can take on as our family have been at Bankend Cottage for 65 years. It will also allow others to experience the area that we have enjoyed for so many years.
“It’s ideal for anyone who wants to explore Scotland. We’re well situated for the likes of The Trossachs and Loch Lomond as well as Glasgow, Stirling, Edinburgh and beyond so hopefully a lot of places will benefit from the visitors we hope to attract.”
Where possible, local contractors will be used in the construction and maintenance of the site, which is set to open in the first half of 2022.
“That’s important to us and will be a key element of the project,” Brian added. “It’s exciting and we can’t wait to get the site up and running.”
Glampitect chief executive Calum MacLeod commented, “This was a challenging application with the council, so we are delighted to have the approval. We are excited to see the site open. Anne and Brian were great clients even when the times were tough and I am sure they will be great hosts.”
