Sweet peas, roses and the like traditionally adorn the walled gardens of Scottish estates, but one Highland landowner is planning to put something rather different in his - four helipads.
The ruler of Dubai wants to make it easier for personal guests and business contacts to travel to his sporting estate in the West Highlands.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 66, one of the world's richest men, has owned the 63,000 Inverinate Estate near Kyle of Lochalsh for over 30 years ago.
The Sheikh, who is also vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, has global business interests and is reportedly worth around £12 billion. He visits the estate overlooking Loch Duich regularly.
KJ Architects have now lodged papers with the Highlands Council. In their design statement they explain:
“The proposal is to provide four helicopter landing pads within the walled garden area of Inverinate Lodge to allow corporate and private passengers to be flown directly into the Estate. The walled garden has been chosen as the best position as it is centrally located for the Estate and lends itself to providing a secure area.
“Helicopter has been selected as the most appropriate form of transport given the site’s remote location. The isolated nature of the site will ensure no residential properties will be affected by noise from arrivals/departures. The nearest neighbour is a significant distance from the site. It is worth noting that use of the site by helicopter is not a new activity and that to date, there has been no adverse impacts recorded by residential properties in the wider surrounding area. A grey concrete block paving finish is proposed for the helipads.”
They will be 65 ft square and a minimum of 26ft away from the wall of the garden. As they are not for commercial use, an ‘H’ sign will not be required on the pads. Instead, a yellow painted circle will be provided. They will each be marked with a white painted line around the perimeter.
It is not the only transport development which has recently concerned the Sheikh, who has 23 children. In April it was reported that councillors at Wandsworth Borough Council had approved his plans to build a personal six-storey super car park in London for up to 114 cars. Luxury accommodation for chauffeurs and staff, was also part of the project.,
The car park will be built next to Battersea heliport by the River Thames so he and his people can land by helicopter and have instant access to his fleet of luxury cars.
Meanwhile back at Inverinate he is also going to build a new 16 bedroom lodge, with a swimming pool and gym.
Previous plans for a 14-bedroom house were approved but he later decided it would be too small.
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