Stella McCartney's Highland 'forever home' set for approval

Fashion designer Stella McCartney and her husband Alasdhair Willis look set to secure planning permission for a clifftop "forever home" in the west Highlands.

The proposals for the property at Roshven on Loch Ailort received dozens of objections in 2023, with concerns raised about its size, design and impacts on the landscape and wildlife.

But amended plans were submitted to Highland Council officers and they have now recommended that councillors grant permission, subject to conditions.

A spokesperson for the couple said they were "delighted" by the recommendation and added the house would be a family home.

McCartney and Willis' proposed site is in an area called Commando Rock which historically was used for military training.

The daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has established herself as one of the world's leading fashion designers.

She was awarded a CBE in recognition of her services to fashion and sustainability in 2022.

The spokesperson said the couple had sought to deliver a "highly sustainable home that has been sympathetically designed".

They also said there had been planning permission for a property on the site dating from 2000 through a previous owner.

The spokesperson said: "The proposed house has been sympathetically designed, using natural Scottish stone with a turfed roof, and will be secluded and barely visible due to the site's contours, including views from the water.

"This has been designed to blend into the landscape to a greater extent than the house under the existing permission."

They added: "Unlike many of the homes in the area, this is not a holiday home; it is a house that the applicant's family will live in, their forever home."

Highland Council's south planning applications committee will consider the plans next week.