New town and marina proposed for Scottish firth
Planning for a new marina and almost 2,000 homes has been submitted for a site on the Moray Firth near Ardersier. The proposed site is a former oil and gas fabrication yard at Whiteness, with developer Ardersier Port Ltd including a school, hotel and adventure playground in the plan.
Ardersier Port Ltd separately has approval to resurrect the 741-acres (300ha) site as a working port.
If given the green light, the marina would accommodate up to 500 yachts.
Highland Council planning officers have recommended councillors grant planning permission in principle.
Best known for its resident population of dolphins, the Moray Firth is one of the best places in Europe to see these creatures in the wild. Experts estimate that around 130 bottlenose dolphins live in the firth.
The proposed development at Whiteness was originally given the green light in principle in 2007. However, that planning permission has now lapsed and Ardersier Port Ltd is seeking to renew it.
