Angus farm gains approval for new holiday lodge plans

Aucharroch Farm, near Kirriemuir, has been granted permission to develop the lodges on the lower slopes of Barron’s Hill, around 5.5 kilometres north-west of the town.

At 70% occupancy, the three-lodge development has the potential to generate around £150,000 in annual tourism income for the farm (Image: John Wink Design)

The one-and-a-half-storey cabins will each feature private hot tubs, with energy supplied through a ground-mounted solar array and air source heat pumps as part of the farm’s plans for a sustainable development.

The farm’s planning statement highlighted the growing need for diversification within agriculture as businesses respond to changing markets and rising costs.

It stated: “Due to ongoing changes in market conditions, it is felt by many in the agricultural sector that diversification is essential to the continued survival of their business.”

Aucharroch Farm’s new holiday lodges will feature private hot tubs, air source heat pumps and power supplied through a ground-mounted solar array (Image: John Wink Design)

For Gordon and Lynsey Carroll, and their sons Aiden and Shaun, diversification is about strengthening the future of Aucharroch Farm while remaining rooted in agriculture. The family runs a commercial cattle enterprise alongside breeding pedigree Beltex stock, and their latest venture will see three holiday lodges added to the business.

The application highlighted strong growth in Angus tourism, with figures from Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce showing the value of tourism increased by 6.7% between 2023 and 2025 to £326 million.

The approved development will create three one-and-a-half-storey holiday lodges (Image: John Wink Design)

Visitor numbers also rose by 8% over the same period to 1.3 million, while day visitor numbers are now significantly higher than pre-pandemic estimates.

The farm’s planning submission noted that self-catering accommodation remains an important part of the market, accounting for a significant proportion of overnight stays.

It said the proposed lodges would be suited to short breaks of three to four days, with features including wood-fired hot tubs and kitchen facilities encouraging visitors to stay longer.

Aucharroch Farm combines a commercial cattle enterprise with pedigree Beltex breeding as part of its wider agricultural business (Image: John Wink Design)

With capacity for 12 guests per night, the development could generate around £150,000 per year at a projected 70% occupancy rate.

The application also highlighted wider economic benefits, including spending by visitors at local shops, hospitality businesses and attractions, as well as employment opportunities during construction.

The planning statement said the project could provide nine to 12 months of work for a local contractor.

Angus Council approved the application under delegated powers, with planning officials noting the site was not in active agricultural production and consisted of rough grassland within a wooded area.