March 25 2024

A modest timber garage in the village of Toberonochy on the Isle of Luing is to be replaced by a one-bedroom tourist bothy designed by Line Architecture amidst talk of a revival in slate production.

The 15sq/m structure sits on the high water level on the edge of the village conservation area. Currently used to store water sports equipment the applicant wishes to replace it with a holiday home which would also be let out to the public.

Offering compact living space of just 24sq/m the bothy will cater solely to short-term tourism and recreational stays and includes one in parking space.

Inspired by traditional coastal fishing huts, sheds and shacks the simple bothy will offer just one open plan living space, with a small bathroom set to one side. Turning its back to the road with no rear openings the property instead opens up to the sea with a glazed balcony and open area of decking.

Detailing their approach the architects wrote: "The design intent for the rear view is to maintain the current aspect - and thus have a small scale, utilitarian and essentially featureless rear elevation, in line with the inspiration and tradition of small coastal huts.

"The new bothy is only slightly larger than the existing garage building and its proposed ridge level is still well below the ground floor window cill level of the adjacent cottages and it will thus not impede the current resident’s view of the sea."

With all windows oriented toward the Isle of Shuna, the applicant stresses that the amenity of neighbours will be protected.  

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